85 arrests as Essex Police step up efforts to protect women and girls
Plain clothes officers have been carrying out specialist patrols since January
85 people have been arrested during a new operation launched by Essex Police aimed at increasing the safety of women and girls during nights out.
The initiative, known as Project Vigilant, has involved specialist patrols since January, using plain clothes officers to identify individuals who may pose a threat.
Uniformed colleagues address concerns and take action against suspects as part of these efforts.
Additionally, roads policing units are stopping vehicles driven by those who have been linked to sexual or violent offenses against women and girls.
These patrols have been conducted on weekends in areas such as Chelmsford, Colchester, Maldon, and several others.
More than 1,500 public interactions have been achieved, along with 835 vehicle stops, 250 searches, 198 intelligence reports, 85 arrests, and 87 incidents attended.
Notable successes include disrupting a registered sex offender, removing a driver linked to child rape, and responding quickly to a suspected spiking incident.
Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips MP visited Colchester on 6th March to witness the patrols and announced further funding for the operation.
It is not for women and girls to change their behaviour
Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington, who joined the Project Vigilant patrol said:
“Tackling violence against women and girls takes all of us – society, policing, local partnerships, prevention.
“Project Vigilant demonstrates exactly that - tackling VAWG cannot be done by policing alone and requires support from our communities, our businesses – from taxi firms and takeaways to pubs and clubs – our Community Safety Partnerships and local council.
“It is not for women and girls to change their behaviour – they should be free to enjoy an evening out without fear of being targeted by a predator. Instead it is those who are intent on causing harm who need to change their behaviour and realise that we are watching and waiting for the, there is no place for them on the streets of Essex.”