UNDERCOVER police have made two arrests and numerous interventions as part of an ongoing operation to tackle sexual predators and protect women and girls in Bournemouth.

Operation Vigilant sees plain-clothed and uniformed officers patrolling outside night-time venues across Dorset, in a bid to stop perpetrators approaching vulnerable people who may display unprovoked aggressive behaviour.

A Dorset Police spokesperson said: “The operation has been run periodically in Bournemouth town centre and has so far resulted in two arrests with numerous interventions taking place to ensure the safety of vulnerable members of the public.

“The initiative also took place in the Weymouth area over the summer, identifying vulnerable people and safeguarding them.”

The operation which was first launched in August, sees plain-clothed officers patrol Bournemouth town centre and Weymouth, targeting hotspots including the Esplanade, beach and adjacent alleys.

A Dorset Police spokesperson said: “Following an intervention by uniformed officers assigned to the operation, a member of the public contacted Dorset Police to thank the officers for their work and support they gave on the night.

“Members of the public have commented on social media posts about Op Vigilant that they are reassured about the initiative as one of a range of tactics we would consider to use to increase the general safety in the community.”

Following a number of high-profile cases of violent and sexual offences against women, Dorset Police are stepping-up their tactics to crackdown on perpetrators and safeguard communities.

A Dorset Police spokesperson said: “This is just one of a range of tactics that the force are using as part of the violence against women and girls strategy. This is about having the capability of covert officers, in high footfall areas, looking for signs of vulnerability and predatory behaviour.

“If this is identified, the officers will call on uniformed colleagues to make the appropriate intervention to safeguard any individuals or deal with persons using warranted powers.”

The police continue to take a multi-agency approach to offering safety, security and support to the public, including working with town pastors, BCP Council and the ambulance service to provide the Safe Bus in Horseshoe common.

The spokesperson said: “It is a similar picture in Weymouth, with an emphasis on partnership working, such as the Safe Space initiative on Friday and Saturday evenings, this is a partnership initiative to reduce vulnerability around the evening and night time economy.”