Police target predatory behaviour as Northampton students head out for Freshers’ Week
Police are stepping up patrols across Northampton during Freshers’ Week – with officers warning they will target predatory behaviour around the town’s nightlife.
Northamptonshire Police’s dedicated University Policing Team will provide an increased presence as new and returning University of Northampton students begin the academic year.
Officers and PCSOs will attend Freshers’ events, offering advice on issues including personal safety, theft, burglary, cybercrime, drink and drug spiking and staying safe on nights out.
Police Sergeant Huma Abbasi said officers would be out on the force’s Beat Bus throughout the week.
She said: “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.”
Additional patrols will also operate around Northampton’s pubs, bars and clubs through Operation Kayak, the force’s proactive night-time policing initiative.
A Northamptonshire Police spokesperson said officers will look for concerning behaviour including people repeatedly approaching women, invading their personal space, behaving in a sexually aggressive or intimidating manner or loitering without apparent reason.
Detective Chief Inspector Liz Basham said: “We won’t tolerate predatory behaviours or those looking to criminally exploit people on a night out.”
Officers will work alongside pubs, clubs, door staff, Street Pastors, Northampton Guardians and volunteers from the Safer Nights Out Van.
The van operates in Northampton town centre from 10pm until 5am every Friday and Saturday and will also be available throughout Freshers’ weekend.
Students are being encouraged to stay with friends, keep drinks with them, plan their journey home and immediately report concerns about someone’s behaviour or welfare to venue staff or police.