WOMEN in Swindon have called for more to be done to make them feel safer in the wake of Sarah Everard's murder.

The killing of the 33-year-old marketing executive by a Metropolitan police officer has shocked the country and sparked fresh debate on how best to protect women and girls from harm.

Wayne Couzens, 48, was sent to jail for the rest of his life after using the powers that came with his role to falsely arrest Sarah when she was walking alone at night in South London, using his warrant card to convince her his reasons were legitimate.

He then took her into his car and drove 80 miles to a location where he raped and killed her before trying to burn her body. 

The shocking details of the case served to heighten the fears women have when they are out and about on their own.

Adver readers were asked on Facebook what could be done to help women feel safer on the streets.

Angela Reid said: “Educate everybody to understand how their individual behaviour can come across as intimidating and threatening.”

Louise Ricobi’s wishlist of changes included “more street lights, CCTV that actually works, and more police patrolling the streets on foot.”

Catherine Waterfield said: “There aren’t enough police patrolling or tackling antisocial behaviour.”

Bobbi Nicholles said: “Raise your children right, it’s as simple as that.”

Met Police bosses made a string of suggestions on what people could do if they are worried an officer is not behaving properly, but critics say it should be up to men to change their behaviour, not women.

Natasha Marie said: “We need to call out all inappropriate behaviour. Men can’t grow up thinking it’s funny to intimidate and cat call.”

"Education on consent and appropriate behaviour clearly isn’t a high priority on every parent’s list.
"The education system needs to do better as well."

Georgia Elliott said: “Educate men to keep control of themselves.”

Frankie Scott said: “Teach in schools. When I was 16, I was told what to do after I had been raped, like it was going to happen. 

“At no point we’re the boys taught what sexual assault or harassment is. The girls were told 'boys will be boys' and 'it’s just their hormones'.

“You’re made to believe that only men in trench coats that hide in the dark that will assault women, when really it can be anyone and any time of day.”