Extra patrols target predatory behaviour hotspots

Police patrols have been carried out in three cities across the West Midlands in a night of action to crack down on violence against women and girls.

Extra specially trained officers were deployed in Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Coventry to spot predatory behaviour on Friday night.

It falls under the national initiative Project Vigilant, which sees undercover officers in hotspot areas challenging behaviour that makes women feel unsafe.

As part of the operation, two people were arrested for offences including assault, West Midlands Police has said.

Officers patrolled hotspot areas outside the transport network, bars, clubs, pubs, poorly lit areas and commonly used walking routes.

If suspicious behaviour was spotted uniformed officers then intervened and disrupted.

Supt Susan Mabbett said: "Everyone should feel safe on a night out and no one should change their behaviour to avoid being a victim. This is why we are asking perpetrators to change their behaviour instead, making it clear where the responsibility lies.

"Through Op Vigilant deployments, we are aiming to prevent violence against women and girls in the nighttime economy by focussing on the perpetrator. We want the West Midlands to be a hostile environment for predators."

Ask For Angela is a national scheme that helps anyone who feels vulnerable on a night out to get the support they need. There are numerous pubs and bars across the West Midlands that have joined the initiative.

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