Increased patrols to protect women and girls across Kent

A proactive operation is being conducted across towns and cities in Kent to ensure women can socialise safely and confidently over the festive season.

As part of Project Vigilant, Kent Police officers, both in plain clothes and uniform, are working to safeguard those who are out enjoying the holiday season and challenge those with who are seeking to take advantage.

Over the weekend of 12-14 December 2025, officers deployed into the centres of Canterbury, Medway, and Maidstone to identify suspicious or predatory behaviour, with a particular focus on individuals who may pose a risk to women and girls. Officers proactively patrolled the high streets and visited pubs, clubs and other venues.

Police patrols will remain stepped up across Kent during the festive period, with targeted operations in varying towns and cities.

When concerning behaviour was spotted, officers acted swiftly to intervene, preventing situations from escalating into potential criminal offences or violence. Across the county, multiple stops were carried out, with intelligence reports gathered, and interventions made to tackle predatory sexual offending.

Intervention

In Canterbury, officers dealt with an aggressive man asking women for money, issuing him with a Community Resolution. In addition, two suspects were identified and arrested in connection with an ongoing grievous bodily harm investigation.

In Maidstone, a man was stopped and spoken to after he was seen loitering at the top of Gabriel's Hill. Officers confronted him, and he left the area soon after. Additionally, three known sex offenders were engaged with after they were recognised by local patrols, no offences were identified, and intelligence was generated.

A patrol was approached by three women on Rochester High Street who alleged a man had tried to make them enter an alleyway before showing them a knife. Officers identified a suspect and pursued on foot, after which he was found to have a knife as well as an ID and bank card which were in other people’s names.

A 19 year old from Rochester was arrested on suspicion of theft, aggravated burglary and possession of a weapon in public.

Additional resources

This activity forms part of wider work by community beat officers, who spent time speaking to door staff, partner agencies and anyone out and about in the evening, making sure they felt safe and hearing any concerns they had.

Additionally, to support Project Vigilant, Kent Police has trained two new police dogs who are able to detect spiking drugs. PD Sully and PD Max will be used to assist officers in identifying people who may be in possession of spiking drugs which can be used to commit serious sexual offences. 

Superintendent Nick Sparkes said:

‘In the busy period leading up to Christmas, we are stepping up our presence and increasing patrols in high footfall areas. Intervening on suspicious activity early ensures that everyone can enjoy their night out securely. ‘Operations like this form just part of our ongoing commitment to protecting women and girls and we will continue to take proactive measures against those who seek to cause harm, exploit vulnerable people, or threaten public safety.’