Police to increase patrols during Freshers' week in Northampton
Students are returning to the University of Northampton this month.
Police are increasing patrols during Freshers' Week as students return to university this month.
Northamptonshire Police have a dedicated University Policing Team situated at the University of Northampton, providing a visible presence on campus. Officers will be attending Freshers' events throughout the week, offering crime prevention advice, answering questions, and directing students to support services.
Police Sergeant Huma Abbasi said:
"Officers from the University Policing Team will be out and about on our Beat Bus, actively engaging with students and providing advice on personal safety, theft, burglary, cybercrime, and staying safe on nights out.
"We encourage students to come and speak to us and get to know their local officers. We're here to help and provide information on keeping themselves and their belongings safe, how to report concerns, and where to access support when they need it.
"Northampton is a welcoming town and a great place for students to live, study and enjoy socialising. Working alongside our partners, we'll be supporting Freshers' events throughout the week to help everyone enjoy themselves safely.
"As well as sharing general safety advice, we'll also be raising awareness of drink and drug spiking and encouraging students to use well-lit, populated routes when travelling to and from the university."
Additional patrols will also be in place across Northampton's night-time economy as part of efforts to safeguard those enjoying the town's bars, pubs and clubs.
Operation Kayak, Northamptonshire Police's proactive weekend policing initiative, will operate throughout Freshers' Week to deter crime, identify concerning behaviour and protect vulnerable people.
Detective Chief Inspector Liz Basham said:
"Operation Kayak officers actively patrol busy areas and known crime hotspots, looking for suspicious activity and identifying opportunities to safeguard people who may be vulnerable.
"The operation has been running successfully for several years and plays an important role in reducing offending and protecting those enjoying a night out.
“Our officers will challenge inappropriate behaviours, look out for individuals who are being sexually aggressive, or intimidating, or whose behaviour causes concern. They will be watching for people loitering or driving around the town without reason, men repeatedly approaching women in the street, invading their personal space, or making them feel uncomfortable.
“I want to make it clear that we won’t tolerate predatory behaviours or those looking to criminally exploit people on a night out. Kayak officers will actively keep a close eye out for individuals with known offending histories and risk factors, and we will proactively use our police powers to disrupt and deter offenders.
"We want everyone, including our student community, to have a safe and enjoyable experience in Northampton, and our officers are deployed within the town centre to respond quickly to any concerns. The team also check on the welfare of vulnerable individuals and help them access support where necessary."
Northamptonshire Police's Operation Kayak works closely with pubs, clubs and door staff to identify and address concerns quickly. Officers also work alongside Street Pastors, Northampton Guardians and volunteers from the Safer Nights Out (SNO) Van to support and safeguard vulnerable people in the town centre.