Night crime falling in Northampton town centre

Northampton Guardians has been helping people stay safe in Northampton town centre

Reports of violence and criminal damage in a town centre during the night have fallen dramatically, according to new figures.

Northampton's Business Improvement District (BID) said reports of criminal damage were down by 40% and violent incidents had reduced by 60%.

Night-time crime overall had seen a 5% reduction over the last year.

Mark Mullen, the BID Operations Manager said: "It's wonderful to see our town centre has become even safer."

The BID said its figures were based on reports made to Northamptonshire Police.

It said a number of initiatives have contributed to the improvement in the figures, including the police's Nightsafe Operation, Operation Kayak which tackles predatory behaviour, and patrols by Street Pastors and Northampton Guardians.

The town had also been visited by the Knife Angel, an eye-catching statue in a human form made from over 100,000 knives seized by the police.

The knife angel statue came to Northampton last year to highlight knife crime

The crime figures have been shared during Purple Flag Month, which celebrates cities and towns that have secured Purple Flag status.

The Purple Flag scheme highlights places which offer a safe, welcoming environment and a diverse mix of dining and entertainment in the evenings.

Northampton has held the status since 2018.

'So much to offer'

Mr Mullen added: "Achieving this accreditation is no easy feat and it's heartening to see that the multitude of proactive projects that are running in the town centre to keep people safe are having a positive impact on the area's crime figures.

"Northampton's night life has so much to offer and it's wonderful to see our town centre has become even safer for everyone over the past year."

There is, however, some evidence that there is still work for the town to do.

Over 100 offences were reported to police between April and July through the town's anti-social behaviour reporting scheme.

A consultation exercise was carried out last month on plans to close a walkway in Northampton, Emporium Way, because of concerns about crime and antisocial behaviour.