Operation to help keep people safe on nights out will continue over Christmas
This was first set up in Northamptonshire in 2021
The successful policing initiative known as Operation Kayak, which aims to help keep people safe on weekend nights out, continues as usual over the festive period.
Introduced by Northamptonshire Police in 2021, it's designed to reduce offending, safeguard the public, and protect against sexual aggression, harassment, inappropriate and predatory behaviours.
Police officers will be out and about, undertaking proactive hot spot patrols on Friday and Saturday nights in Northampton and Kettering during December, and on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
This Christmas, the policing team will once again be supported by Kettering Street Pastors and the Northampton Guardians, volunteers who work on the Safer Nights Out Van (SNO Van), which is a customised minibus used as a safe place to support people who may be vulnerable or in need of help on a night out.
Since its inception, the Operation Kayak patrols have proved to be extremely effective at reducing offending behaviour and in safeguarding the vulnerable.
Detective Chief Inspector Nickie Deeks said:
“We want people to come into town centres over the festive period and have a great, fun night out with friends and family. Op Kayak officers will be actively deployed and patrolling in Kettering and Northampton to help everyone safely enjoy their Christmas and New Year celebrations.
“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.
“Officers will also actively keep a close eye out for individuals with known offending histories and risk factors.”
The Op Kayak team also work closely with pubs and clubs and with venue door staff.