Successes of Operation Workforce shared with Northampton businesses

An operation tackling key issues in Northampton town centre has transitioned into new patrol plans, increased business liaison and ongoing partnership outreach work.

Over eight weeks this autumn, Operation Workforce focused on reducing anti-social behaviour, shoplifting, drug crime and serious violence, which had all been raised as issues by retailers, residents and shoppers during a visit in July by Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone and Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet.

The operation tied in with the re-launch of the revamped Market Square, resulting in almost 60 arrests and raising the profile of the Northampton Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT).

NPT Inspector Nicola Davis-Lyons, who led the work, said: “Operation Workforce was the direct result of acting on community feedback on what people viewed as key issues in Northampton town centre.

“The regeneration of the Market Square area offered an ideal opportunity for us to tailor our policing plans to take direct and lasting action and I’m thrilled with the results both in terms of community engagement and the arrests and charges secured.

“Operation Workforce activity has now been built into our daily business, including increased foot patrols, a revitalised Cops-Adopt-A-Shop scheme with lots of new members, regular police surgeries and monthly problem-solving walkabouts with our partners.”

Earlier this week – which is also national Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week – the Force teamed up with Northampton BID to share an update on Workforce with retailers.

Mark Mullen, operations manager at Northampton Town Centre BID, said: “The impact of Operation Workforce has been incredibly positive for town-centre businesses, and we are pleased to see a longer-term commitment to increased foot patrols and a clear plan to combat retail crime and anti-social behaviour.

“We look forward to working closely with Northamptonshire Police to ensure our town centre remains a safe and welcoming place to work, live and visit.”

Find out more about and contact the Northampton NPT here.