Proactive patrols are working to safeguard women in Kent

Men acting suspiciously around women and girls are being robustly challenged by officers in Kent's town and city centres.

Constables in plain clothes and uniform are regularly patrolling areas popular with those seeking to socialise during the summer evenings.

Where concerning or potentially predatory behaviour is spotted, patrols swiftly intervene to prevent any offences taking place.

Enforcement

In the most recent enforcement on 27 June in Maidstone, a man was seen paying particular attention to women who may have been suffering from the effects of alcohol.

He was evasive when officers spoke to him and, following a search, was directed to leave the area.

A second lone man was spotted entering multiple pubs while observing separate women customers. His suspicious behaviour led to firm words of advice from a patrol following checks on his identity.

Escorted out of town

A further visitor to the area was reported to be making inappropriate comments about women. He was stopped, advised about his conduct and then escorted from the town.

Superintendent Elena Hall said:

'Our officers are trained to identify individuals who may be seeking to take advantage of women out enjoying themselves in pubs and clubs.
'An early intervention when suspicious or inappropriate activity is spotted can prevent a crime taking place and safeguard potential victims.
'This proactive work will continue throughout the summer. My advice to anyone seeking to exploit vulnerable women or girls is to think again - our plain clothes officers may be watching and you will be arrested for any offences that are identified.'