Police issue summer warning to sexual predators

Hertfordshire Police says it wants people at clubs and festivals to have a "safe and enjoyable" time

A police force has warned festival-goers that summer events are not "an excuse to forget normal standards of behaviour".

Hertfordshire Police said that with people taking advantage of good weather, festivals, football matches and nights out, it was "important to consider the consequences that your actions might have".

Det Ch Insp Michael Macbeth, from the force's safeguarding command, said: "It is particularly important to remember that sex without consent is rape. This includes sex with anyone, male or female, who is incapacitated as a result of alcohol or drugs."

Officers in plain clothes have been deployed to look for signs of predatory behaviour at bars, clubs and nearby car parks and alleyways.

'Think about actions'

"Now that the weather is starting to improve, the football is looming, festivals and events are in full swing, we know that people will be planning big nights out and making the most of what the night-time economy in Hertfordshire has to offer," said Det Ch Insp Macbeth.

He added: "Sadly, we know there’s a minority of people out there who may see this time of year as an excuse to forget normal standards of behaviour, and this is simply not acceptable.

"Our message to everyone is to really think hard about their actions towards others and the impact they may have."

The Hertfordshire force launched Project Vigilant, a proactive policing operation targeting perpetrators in the night-time economy, at the end of 2023.

Specially-trained officers in plain clothes highlight anyone of concern before uniformed colleagues take action, which may include arrest, the force warned.