West End officers use innovative new tactics to protect women and girls  

Met officers patrolling the West End have used new training to identify predatory behaviour in response to concerns for the safety of women and girls.

The training, initially used in counter-terrorism policing, teaches officers to spot signs and behavioural cues of potential offenders.

It has been rolled out to officers who are patrolling London streets in order to protect women and girls at risk of violence.

This is part of the Met’s proactive operation ‘Project Vigilant’, where officers carry out plain-clothed patrols, trawling through live CCTV, and uniformed officers on standby to respond and engage with any individuals that need to be removed from the area.

Sergeant Augustine Anyaegbuna, of the Westminster neighbourhood team, said:

“The Met is committed in tackling sexual offenders and rebuilding trust amongst women and girls in local communities.

“It is devastating that women and girls are not able to enjoy a night out with friends due to the potential harm they could face at the hands of predatory men.

“I am extremely pleased that our local officers utilised their behavioural detection training.

“We remain focused in creating a safe space for women and girls and encourage all victims of violence or sexual violence come forward to help bring offenders to justice.”

On the most recent Vigilant patrol, officers stopped eight men who raised the suspicions of officers.

Six of these were subsequently arrested for offences including sexual assault, drugs, robbery and theft.