OPPORTUNISTIC offenders are being tackled as part of a new operation launched by Cumbria Police as the nighttime economy opens up again.

Cumbria Constabulary has launched Operation Vigilant, a perpetrator focussed, uniformed street patrol campaign which will deter opportunistic offenders.

The operation has been running behind the scenes for weeks with specialist training being provided to officers on night shifts in towns and the city centres.

Training provides officers with the tools to identify key markers for potential perpetrators targeting vulnerable people coming out of venues of an evening. The training also looks at public engagement and supporting those in a vulnerable state.

Detective Chief Inspector Vicki Coombes, Op Vigilant lead said: “This is a deterrence campaign aimed at keeping people safe. As well as patrolling the night-time economy, officers will also be on hand should a member of the public need to stop them to ask for help.

“Providing officers with up to date training is vital to ensure they have the knowledge and confidence to stop those that rouse their suspicions.

She said: “At the worst, an individual we be stopped and spoken to, and they will have lost five minutes of their night speaking to an officer but weighing that up against potentially stopping someone becoming a victim of sexual violence is worth it.

“Whilst it is important to note that, opportunistic stranger assaults are thankfully very rare in the county that does not mean we should slacken our approach. Cumbria remains one of the safest places to live and visit and we want it to stay that way.

“The feedback we received from our recent Call it Out campaign survey identifies that only 23 per cent of women felt safe in the night-time economy. We have listened to the respondents and acted.”

Any person whose behaviour correlates to any of the key markers will be stopped by uniformed officers and questions will be asked to establish the circumstances around their activity and behaviour. Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, said: “It’s incredibly important that everyone feels safe whilst on a night out in Cumbria and having a more visible police presence can only help. Op Vigilant is a well-timed operation and I hope it creates a safer and more comfortable environment for everyone involved.

“The presence of trained Police and with the offer of training for bar staff and taxi drivers, I’m sure that it will deter these opportunistic criminals and therefore reduce crime.

“If you do feel unsafe on a night out, please alert the Police either on the street, via 101 or 999 in an emergency.”

“The Operation Vigilant training will be rolled out to those in positions of professional support in the night-time economy, including taxi drivers, door and bar staff.

“There are many safety schemes already in existence around Cumbria, these include Ask for Angela and Safe Spaces.

“The constabulary are running an online safety advice campaign in conjunction with Operation Vigilant. Search the constabulary’s social media accounts for the #SaferSummer to find helpful tips and information on keeping safe and enjoying the summer.”