Canterbury: Police launch night patrols to protect women

Extra officers will be patrolling Canterbury at night

Kent Police have launched extra patrols in Canterbury to protect women and girls on a night out.

Uniformed and plain-clothes officers are on the streets on Friday and Saturday nights as part of what is being called Operation Vigilant.

More than 40 officers have been trained to take part in the scheme.

The first night of the operation saw one arrest, after several women were upset after being approached, police said.

PC Simon Reed said: "It's about protecting vulnerable females and males from predators who might target them."

One plain-clothes officer taking part in the patrols undercover said it means offenders could be caught in the act.

"We can stand back and observe, and follow people," he said.

"We can call that through to officers in uniform, so they can come and intervene."

Uniformed officers will move in if they see women being harassed

University student, Izzy, told the BBC she doesn't feel safe walking through the city, and hopes more police officers on the streets will deter offenders.

She said: "I've been followed through shops before. I've been followed through town. It's really scary."

Canterbury has Purple Flag status for excellence in its night time economy, but the Association of Town and City Management, which organises the award, said it had recorded a 30% increase in reports of sexual harassment in the city in the last three years.

If Operation Vigilant is a success in Canterbury, it could be rolled out across other towns in Kent.

Follow BBC South East on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail].