Women cautiously welcome night-time police scheme

As part of the project, undercover and uniformed officers have been trained in how to spot suspicious behaviour aimed at women and girls

Women in Norwich have cautiously welcomed a new police initiative aimed at making people feel safer at night time.

Last week, Norfolk Police launched Project Vigilant, which it said was aimed at detecting and disrupting sexual violence aimed at women and girls.

The force said undercover and uniformed officers had been trained to spot suspicious patterns of behaviour, such as catcalling.

"I’m pleased that there is positive action being taken," said Natasha Harpley, who is the Labour deputy leader of Broadland District Council.

"But I'd be cautious of the potential for risk of people impersonating plain-clothes officers.

"I would expect proper safeguarding measures to be in place to mitigate that risk."

Bethany Patterson and Lauren Herring agreed that Norwich was "a lot safer" than other places.

Lauren Herring, who lives in Norwich, told the BBC she felt the city was still "a lot safer" compared with other places she had been.

"[It is the] secluded darker areas maybe [where] people, especially women, maybe feel a little more uncomfortable."

Student Bethany Patterson, 21, added: "I think it is definitely walking home... that I feel a bit more unsafe.

"I'm not sure how much of a deterrent someone in plain clothes is going to be... but it's nice to know someone is looking out for them."

The pilot scheme was launched on White Ribbon Day - which was 25 November - aiming to highlight the roots of violence against women.

The patrols are due to take place in the lead-up to Christmas.

Sgt Gary Owen said he still felt Norwich was a safe city, and he also gave reassurance that it would be the uniformed officers who would intervene in any situation.

"Hopefully this will increase trust and show people we are out there proactively trying to deal with these types of offences."