Campaign to cut crime ahead of market square reopening

Operation Workforce is an eight-week initiative by Northamptonshire Police and the county's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner

Police have begun an eight-week campaign to cut crime in a town centre in preparation for the reopening of a market square.

Operation Workforce was launched in Northampton amid concerns from local businesses and residents.

The operation will be in two four-week phases, focusing in turn on anti-social behaviour, shoplifting, drugs, and serious violence.

Northamptonshire Police's Acting Chief Constable, Ivan Balhatchet, said he wanted the revitalised market square to be "safe and welcoming for everyone".

'More visible policing'

The force said officers will arrest wanted offenders, engage with local retailers, and use a knife arch and a drugs dog.

Danielle Stone, Northamptonshire's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, said: "Businesses told us very clearly that they wanted to see more visible, engaged policing and partners working together to make the area a safer place.

"I want them to be confident that we have listened to what they had to say and have taken their concerns seriously."

The facelift for Northampton's historic market is part of a town-centre improvement scheme designed to attract more shoppers and businesses.

The market square is scheduled to reopen on the 19th and 20th October.