Police target night-time predators

Patrols are among a series of initiatives to protect women

Police have warned Plymouth night-time predators that they are looking for them.

The Devon and Cornwall force said it had increased patrols and trained officers in Project Vigilant to "identify and prevent predatory behaviour" and tackle "violence, abuse and intimidation against women and girls".

Det Insp Kev Morley said: "One of our priorities at this time of day is to keep everyone safe, especially women and young girls."

Uniformed and plain clothes officers trained in identifying predatory behaviour, particularly towards women, were patrolling bars and streets to identify suspects, said the force.

Protection of women was stepped up in Plymouth following the murder of Bobbi-Anne McLeod

Further moves to protect women in the city followed the murder of 18-year-old Bobbi-Anne McLeod in November 2021.

Bobbi-Anne's murder led to the creation of a commission to tackle violence against women and girls, which led calls for safety measures.

Devon and Cornwall Police said a number of partnership safeguarding initiatives were in place.

Plymouth Safe Bus outside the Theatre Royal operates on Saturday nights as a safe space for anyone to visit during a night out if they are feeling unwell, have injured themselves or need to step away from the pubs or clubs.

Street Pastors are a group of volunteers who regularly walk the busy streets of Plymouth, providing care, help and a listening ear to those who need it.

And Plymouth Night Patrol is made up of a group of trained volunteer students from the University of Plymouth who patrol the city in small groups from 21:00 BST to 04:30 BST on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights.

Police said female officers would also be on the lookout to accompany women through areas of concern in the city, in a trial which ends on 31 May.

Det Insp Morley said: “Tackling violence against women and girls during the evenings is a priority for us and it will remain a priority for the foreseeable future."