Kent Police have launched a proactive operation, Project Vigilant, to ensure women and girls can socialise safely and confidently across the county throughout the Christmas and New Year period.
Officers, operating in both uniform and plain clothes, are actively working to protect those enjoying the holiday season while challenging and deterring predatory behaviour.
Over the weekend of 12-14 December 2025, officers focused their deployment on the centres of Canterbury, Medway, and Maidstone. The aim was to swiftly identify suspicious or predatory conduct, particularly targeting individuals who may pose a risk to women and girls. Patrols visited high streets, pubs, clubs, and other late-night venues.
Officers acted quickly to intervene when concerning behaviour was spotted, preventing potential criminal offences or violence. Multiple stops were carried out, intelligence was gathered, and interventions were made to tackle predatory sexual offending.
In Canterbury an aggressive man seeking money from women was dealt with via a Community Resolution. Two suspects were also arrested in connection with an ongoing grievous bodily harm investigation. Meanwhile in Maidstone a man seen loitering at the top of Gabs Hill was confronted and left the area. Three known sex offenders were also engaged with by patrols, generating intelligence.
In Rochester patrols were approached by three women who reported a man had tried to force them into an alleyway and showed them a knife. Officers pursued a suspect on foot who was found in possession of a knife, along with an ID and bank card in other people’s names. It led to a 19-year-old from Rochester arrested on suspicion of theft, aggravated burglary, and possession of a weapon in public
Patrols will remain stepped up across Kent throughout the entire festive period, with operations rotating across various towns and cities. The operation also involves wider community engagement, with beat officers speaking to door staff, partner agencies, and members of the public to gather concerns and ensure people feel safe. Crucially, Kent Police has also introduced two new specialist sniffer dogs, PD Sully and PD Max, specifically trained to detect spiking drugs. These new resources will assist officers in identifying individuals who may be in possession of drugs 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.’