Prevent and deter sexual offending within the night time economy

Our Friday and Saturday night time economy plan means you will see uniformed officer presence across the city centre, in the areas of highest footfall. As part of Operation Cloak, uniformed officers are deployed to prevent and deter sexual offending. Whilst plain clothes officers patrol and observe for any suspicious or concerning behaviour, intervening early to prevent any offending taking place. Operation Salus focuses on vehicles within the night time economy, to prevent any inappropriate use or vehicles being located in areas which could be mistaken for a taxi.

All officers are briefed before deployment and are present to observe for signs of any vulnerability and offer immediate safeguarding. Our Safe Haven van is parked every Friday and Saturday night from 10pm – 4am in the Bigg Market, staffed by uniformed officers. Medical assistance is also available next to the Safe Haven.

Anti-Social Behaviour around Monument, Blackett Street and Bewick Court

With increased footfall to the city centre, we are tackling summer increases in ASB by conducting both uniformed and plain clothes patrols. We proportionately use our powers to disperse groups, issuing dispersal orders, and community protection warning notices to stop behaviour having a detrimental effect on residents and businesses in the area. As a result, we have seen a 20% reduction in reporting of ASB this year vs 2024.

Serious violence

We have a proactive team, working under Operation Spear, dedicated to reducing serious violence in the city centre. As part of their role, they focus on early identification of key individuals and target offenders. We seek to remand in custody where appropriate and look at disruption through the use of conditions, Community Protect Warning Notices and Criminal Behaviour Orders or Injunctions. Through partners in City Safe we look to make early identification of people who would benefit from diversion and intervention to remove them from situations/environments which can lead criminality. Currently, as a year on year comparison, most serious violence has been reduced by 10%.