News Beat
Festive drive against spiking and sex offences in region’s night scene
Project Vigilant is aimed at spotting the types of behaviour of perpetrators, which are often displayed before a sexual offence, spiking or theft takes place.
The initiative is a joint effort by the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU), the Cleveland, Durham and Northumbria police forces and all three North East Police and Crime Commissioners.
They are working hand-in-hand to ensure a safer environment for members of the public enjoying a night out during the busy festive period.
It was first launched in the North East in December last year and has already seen numerous targeted deployments across Newcastle, Durham and Middlesborough.
Specialist officers are deployed in the night-time economy to identify individuals who may be displaying predatory behaviour, such as harassment, loitering without reason and stalking behaviour.
Those individuals are stopped by police, inquiries are carried out, and dispersal orders given or, where necessary, arrests are made.
The targeted police operations will continue to be carried out across the North East with the aim of proactively preventing violence and sexual offences against women and girls and ensuring a safer environment for all.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Hallowell, from NEROCU, has reassured the public Project Vigilant will continue to disrupt offending against women and girls.
He said: “It is important to us that members of the public feel they can have a safe and fun night out in the North East without the fear of assault, violence, or theft.
“National figures show that violence against women and girls is something that requires robust action and already in a year we have seen fantastic results from this initiative, and, we’re not slowing down.
“Predatory behaviour is never acceptable, and we remain committed alongside our partners to continue our work to tackle this issue.
“We also urge anyone with any concerns about someone’s behaviour to report it to police.”
Durham Police and Crime Commissioner, Joy Allen, said: “Protecting women and girls from sexual harassment and violence and ensuring they feel safe in our public spaces, including our transport systems and within the night-time economy, are top priorities for me as they featured highly in my consultation with the public.
“I have been clear in my Police, Crime and Justice Plan that I will tackle all forms of violence against women and girls, from spiking and stalking to rape and murder.
“Operation Vigilant has become a vital tool in our work to tackle violence against women and girls, challenging predatory behaviour early, before it escalates, to prevent serious and traumatic crimes that can take victims a lifetime to recover and heal from.
“Women and girls should be able to enjoy a night out safely, without fear or risk.
“By taking a proactive and intelligence-led approach, putting trained officers in the right place at the right time, we not only safeguard potential victims but build confidence and trust in the police which reinforces feelings of safety.”
Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner, Matt Storey, said: “Our research shows that more than 81 per cent of women surveyed felt unsafe in Cleveland’s town centres after dark.
“Research like this proves how important work like Project Vigilant is in our communities to protect women and girls from potential predators.”
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth said: “During the 16 days of action campaign to prevent and end violence against women and girls, I think it’s really important to be highlighting proactive policing efforts like Op Vigilant.
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“People don’t necessarily know this work is happening, yet it forms part of a raft of measures we have in place to keep people safe on a night out.”
Anyone who has been the victim of a sexual assault, whether recently or in the past, is encouraged to contact their local police force.
If people have information or concerns about someone’s behaviour it can be reported to police or via the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on (0800) 555111.
