Hulk hits Northampton’s streets for third week of Operation Workforce

Illegal drugs were the focus of the third week of an operation to drive down crime in Northampton town centre, with a four-legged team member bringing some great results.

Operation Workforce is being run by Northamptonshire Police to tackle four key crime types in the newly revamped Market Square area, which is due to officially reopen next month.

It is focusing on improving police visibility and tackling anti-social behaviour, retail crime, drugs and serious violence in the town, following concerns from business owners and residents.

Last week’s partnership working saw passive sniffer dog Hulk and his handler join officers for patrols dedicated to detecting drugs, with the keen-nosed hound assisting in multiple successful stop searches.

A total of 24 stop searches were carried out during the week, with half leading to the recovery of illegal substances. Offenders were dealt with through either charges, cautions or immediate justice outcomes.

Northampton Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Nicola Davis-Lyons said: “Hulk and his handler have been a brilliant addition to our team for the week.

“Passive sniffer dogs work on lead with their handler and are highly skilled at picking up the scents they are trained to detect without making any contact with people.

“Hulk did a great job in indicating where illegal drugs were being carried and was also a hit with shoppers and traders, with some amazing feedback from the public about our work over the week.

“Hearing people say they feel safer in the town and love seeing us there has been really great – making Northampton somewhere people feel proud of is what this is all about.”

The week also saw 13 arrests made for offences including shoplifting, public order offences and breaches of criminal behaviour orders (CBO), which are imposed in court to prevent problematic behaviour with offenders at risk of prison sentences if they fail to comply.

Of those arrested, seven were charged with offences, two were recalled to prison, two were remanded to court and two were bailed pending further enquiries.

A woman charged with breaching a CBO went on to be sentenced during the week, receiving an 18-week jail term.

Other measures put in place to help improve the Market Square area included the issuing of four community protection warnings, four alcohol seizures and one referral to the Force’s licensing team.

Partnership working with organisations including West Northamptonshire Council, the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (OPFCC), Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service and Northampton Town Centre BID is continuing throughout Operation Workforce, including outreach work aimed at helping vulnerable people.

The fourth week of work, which is currently underway, is targeting serious violence in the town centre.

Next week will see the operation’s second round of work tackling anti-social behaviour, including a partnership clean-up session next Thursday (September 19), supported by funding from the OPFCC.

Volunteers are welcome to attend the event, which will run from 10am to 1pm, meeting at All Saints Church. Protective equipment will be supplied.