UNDERCOVER police officers will be patrolling outside bars and clubs to protect women enjoying nights out during the Christmas party season.

Dorset Police has confirmed plain-clothes and uniformed officers will operate outside nighttime venues across Dorset in a bid to stop perpetrators approaching vulnerable people - particularly women and girls - who may display unprovoked aggressive behaviour.

The move comes after Dorset Police first launched the Operation Vigilant initiative on August 28, which saw plain-clothed officers patrol Bournemouth town centre and Weymouth, targeting hotspots including the Esplanade, beach and adjacent alleys.

Dorset Police chief inspector Andy Edwards said: "Operation Vigilant is being trialled by Dorset Police in areas where the nighttime economy has now returned to pre Covid-19 restrictions levels.

"Operation Vigilant ran for the first time in Bournemouth and Weymouth town centres in August this year.

"It involves the use of both plain-clothed and uniformed officers.

"If concerning behaviour is identified by perpetrators or they spot someone who may be vulnerable, they will intervene or provide assistance.

"Officers will then work together with venue staff, councils and other emergency services to ensure that individuals are safeguarded. These officers can use powers available to them such as dispersal notices for behaviour including approaching vulnerable women and girls and unprovoked aggressive behaviour."

The call for undercover initiatives come amid concerns raised following the horrific death of marketing executive Sarah Everard, who was killed by serving Metropolitan officer, Wayne Couzens, who staged a fake arrest in order to kidnap, rape and murder her.

Dorset Police said the public has responded positively to Operation Vigilant

Chief inspector Edwards added: "People have been happy that police were watching out for their welfare and reducing the risk to others in the night time environment.

"There's positivity from the public about how we are keeping people safe in a discreet, but effective manner.

"We're fully aware of the public's concerns about violence against women and girls and we are committed to working hard to safeguard anyone who finds themselves vulnerable in the night time economy. These efforts will continue as we move into the Christmas party season.

"Anyone on a night out who is concerned for another member of the public being alone and vulnerable, perhaps being subjected to unwanted attention or inappropriate touching or aggression, should always approach a police officer or member of venue staff to let them know."

Dorset Police are urging victims of a sexual assault to visit www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online or by telephone to 101.

In an emergency always call 999. Not everyone will wish to involve the police at first, but if that is the case please use the services provided anonymously by The Shores in Dorset at 0800 970 9954.

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