Police clamp down on predatory behaviour against women ahead of the Christmas party season

This is the message from the region’s two main police forces - Northumbria Police and Durham Constabulary - as part of a clampdown on predatory behaviour, particularly against women.

With the Christmas party season about to get into full swing and people letting their hair down and having a few drinks, the region’s police forces have said they will be cracking down on “predatory behaviour” and have warned partygoers to be vigilant.

Project Vigilant is aimed at targeting perpetrator behaviours, which are often displayed before a sexual offence, spiking or theft takes place.

It is being implemented by the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) - which includes Northumbria Police and Durham Constabulary - and will be targeting patrols in Sunderland, Newcastle, and Durham City, as well as other towns and cities in the region.

The initiative will see specially trained officers are deployed during the Night Time Economy to identify individuals who may be displaying predatory behaviour such as harassment, loitering without reason and stalking behaviour.

Those individuals will be stopped by police, enquiries carried out, dispersal orders given or where necessary arrests made.

With the the festive party season about to get into full swing, the targeted police operations will 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.”

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. 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.

“This activity sends a clear message that our police are doing so much more than responding to crimes and supporting the vulnerable; we have officers whose mission is to proactively target those who cause harm and prevent crime.

“I hope hearing about this operation reassures people about the work in place to catch predatory behaviours before they escalate.”

Durham Police and Crime Commissioner, Joy Allen, added: “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.

“Women and girls should be able to enjoy a night out safely, without fear or risk.”