North Yorkshire Police reveal operation helping keep people safe on a night out
Undercover police work with uniformed colleagues to catch predators
North Yorkshire Police is deploying a specialist team of officers in Scarborough’s night-time economy to help prevent sexual offences and keep people safe.
Following on from the success with similar deployments in York, the force has mirrored the national “Project Vigilant” operation in Scarborough town centre since December 2023. The operation was launched by Thames Valley Police in 2019 to seek out those who prey on vulnerable people in busy locations at night.
North Yorkshire Police is deploying officers from various teams who are specially trained to identify the tell-tale signs that identify an individual who is in the area with a criminal intention.
Plain clothed officers patrol designated areas including inside licensed venues and flag any person of concern to uniformed officers. The uniformed officers then move in to engage and where appropriate they will also take positive action.
Project Vigilant officers also seek to ensure that vulnerable people in the night-time economy are kept safe, reuniting them with friends if they become separated or referring them to partner agencies such as the Street Angels or the Yorkshire Ambulance Service if there is a medical concern.
The team of officers will also engage with vulnerable people to offer advice about keeping themselves safe, ensuring that they have a suitable way of returning home at the end of the night. The operation also increases engagement with licensed premises, including bars and clubs as officers build relationships with managers and door staff.
Speaking about Project Vigilant, the area commander for Scarborough and Ryedale, Superintendent Rachel Wood said: “Violence Against Women and Girls is a priority for the force and I’m proud to say that for over twelve months now we have had dedicated patrols to stamp out predatory behaviour in Scarborough’s night time economy.
“These patrols are set to continue as we are determined to do the very best for girls, women and the communities that we serve. But everyone has a vital role to play and what we ask is simple. Stay alert and trust your instincts.
“If you see something that doesn’t feel right, tell a member of staff or a police officer. However insignificant you think something may be, please report it, because your actions could potentially save lives.”
Stats – Direct results from Project Vigilant in Scarborough
Arrests: 23
Stop/Search: 9
Dispersals: 9
People taken to a place of safety: 49
Conversations to resolve incident: 68