A Glasgow woman has raised alarms about safety in the city centre after experiencing two unsettling incidents where she was followed by men while walking to and from work. Abbi, a local resident, took to social media to share her story, prompting widespread concern and calls for action.
First Incident: Followed from George Square
In a detailed Facebook post, Abbi described her first encounter, which occurred as she walked from George Square toward Buchanan Bus Station. She recounted being approached by a group of men sitting on benches in the square. Some had “dark features” and beards, and they began calling out to her.
“I ignored them and kept walking,” Abbi wrote. But the situation quickly escalated when a man, whom she identified as a “white Polish man”, broke away from the group and began following her uphill.
“He was calling out, saying, ‘Don’t be afraid, it’s OK,’ but he was following me. The rest of the group stayed at the bottom of the hill watching.”
The encounter left her shaken but unharmed. She emphasized that these experiences are becoming “way too common” and warned others to stay vigilant.
“This should not be normalised,” she added.
Second Incident: Approached by Men in Car on Queen Street
The following day, Abbi found herself in another dangerous situation, this time on Queen Street. While walking, she noticed a large car, possibly a G-Wagon, trailing her. Two men inside the vehicle—whom she described as “foreign” with dark features and beards—began waving and gesturing for her to get inside.
“I was terrified,” Abbi recalled. “They kept following, and I didn’t know what to do.”
Luckily, a passerby noticed the situation and intervened. The stranger advised her to keep walking and stayed close behind her for protection until the men in the car eventually drove off.
“People are noticing this isn’t normal,” Abbi wrote, expressing frustration that she couldn’t record the incident but immense gratitude for the passerby’s help.
Growing Concerns Over Women’s Safety in Glasgow
Abbi’s experiences have ignited widespread concern about women’s safety in Glasgow city centre, especially amid other recent troubling incidents. Just weeks earlier, on February 3, 2025, a woman was sexually assaulted in an underpass near Cowcaddens, according to Glasgow Live.
These stories echo a disturbing trend that has left many women feeling vulnerable while simply walking through busy public areas.
Police and Advocacy Group Responses
Police Scotland has yet to issue a formal statement regarding Abbi’s encounters but encourages anyone who feels threatened or witnesses suspicious activity to call 101 or 999 in emergencies.
Safety advocates are calling for immediate action. A spokesperson from Glasgow Women’s Aid condemned the incidents, saying:
“No one should feel unsafe walking to work or school. These predatory behaviors are deeply concerning, and we urge the community to report any suspicious incidents.”
The organization is pushing for increased police patrols in high-traffic areas like George Square and Queen Street and advocating for better street lighting to deter potential offenders.
Community Outrage and Calls for Action
Abbi’s story has not only sparked outrage but also raised questions about what more can be done to ensure women’s safety in Glasgow. Several commenters suggested creating safer walking routes, while others called for public awareness campaigns to educate on how bystanders can safely intervene.
“We need more CCTV cameras and visible police presence,” wrote one concerned resident.
“These men clearly think they can act with impunity,” added another.
Local councillors have acknowledged the growing concern and are expected to discuss the issue in upcoming community safety meetings.
“This Should Not Be Normalised”
Abbi ended her Facebook post with a heartfelt plea to others:
“Please stay vigilant. This is happening way too often, and it’s scary. These people have no respect for women. We need to talk about this and push for change.”
Her courage in sharing her experience has already sparked important conversations about safety and public responsibility. But for many, the incidents highlight the urgent need for more proactive measures to protect women in Glasgow’s city centre.