Police launch summer crackdown on crime and anti-social behaviour in Northampton town centre
Police have launched a nine-week operation to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in Northampton town centre during the busy summer months.
Operation Workforce, which is running until September, will see increased police activity focusing on issues including anti-social behaviour, shoplifting, robbery, serious violence and drug-related crime.
The initiative has been developed by Northamptonshire Police alongside West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID), combining enforcement with prevention and community engagement.
Chief Inspector Nic Davis-Lyons said the operation would provide visible policing while targeting offenders responsible for crimes affecting residents, businesses and visitors.
He said: “Northampton town centre is a busy and vibrant place, particularly during the summer, but we know there are ongoing concerns around anti-social behaviour and crime.
“This operation is about delivering visible, targeted policing activity that both reassures the public and tackles those responsible for offending.”
Each week of the operation will focus on a different crime type or problem area, with officers carrying out high-visibility patrols, hotspot policing, business engagement and enforcement against known offenders.
Police said specialist tactics, including knife arches and potential drug detection deployments, will also be used throughout the operation.
Partners will also increase youth engagement over the summer, with additional activities designed to provide safe and positive opportunities for young people.
Joint patrols involving police, council officers and BID representatives will target anti-social behaviour hotspots, empty buildings and other locations linked to crime.
Free2Talk's youth bus will visit Northampton Market Square on August 4 and August 25 between 1pm and 4pm, offering advice and support alongside youth workers and young ambassadors.
Neighbourhood Sergeant Anna Wyburn said the operation was designed to respond directly to community concerns and improve confidence in the town centre.
Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone said the increased police presence and partnership working would help deter criminals and reassure residents and businesses, while WNC deputy leader Councillor Charlie Hastie said the council remained committed to making the town centre "a safe and welcoming place for everyone".