Operation Octans: Working together to keep High Town safe

Partners across Luton are working together under Operation Octans to protect vulnerable people, prevent exploitation, and improve safety and wellbeing in the High Town area.

This joint approach brings local organisations, community groups, support services including Azalea, and the council together to share information, understand what’s happening on the ground, and take coordinated action to reduce harm. 

Supporting people vulnerable to exploitation

Operation Octans focuses on helping people – often women – who may be at risk of on‑street sexual exploitation. Those affected may face a range of challenges, including housing difficulties, substance misuse, poor mental health, and social isolation.

Partners are working to:

This includes community‑funded outreach work, dedicated support services, and new supported accommodation that gives people the chance to stabilise their lives and access help when they are ready.

Improving safety in the High Town area

Through our Clear, Hold, Build approach, partners are looking not just at individuals but at the wider environment and the places where harm can occur.

This has led to coordinated improvements such as:

These actions help create safer, cleaner public spaces and boost confidence among residents.

Preventing crime and disrupting antisocial behaviour

Alongside support for vulnerable people, Operation Octans also focuses on preventing crime, tackling behaviour that causes harm, and reducing the impact on the local community. This includes:

Inspector Liz Spurling, who leads on partnership activity in the area, said: “Safeguarding vulnerable people is never something one organisation can do alone. Operation Octans shows the impact we can have when police, outreach teams, health services and community partners come together with a shared purpose. By pooling our insight and responding collectively, we’re able to spot risks earlier, offer meaningful support, and make sure that no one falls through the gaps.”

Councillor Maria Lovell, Luton Council’s portfolio holder for Community Safety, said: “I have been working alongside ward councillors Umme Ali and James Taylor to listen to residents’ concerns and improve the experience of those affected by on-street sexual exploitation and related antisocial behaviour in High Town.

“Through Operation Octans, we are strengthening the way we work with partners across Luton. By combining resources and expertise we are delivering practical actions that improve safety and support vulnerable people.

“This partnership approach is about achieving real, lasting outcomes that are shaped by the needs of High Town itself. We have made important progress through joint working and targeted investment in the area, but we know that sustainable change takes time. We remain committed to working alongside our partners and communities to build a safer, stronger High Town for the future.”

Inspector Mo Shabir, who oversees Bedfordshire Police’s role in Octans, said: “The strength of Operation Octans lies in its partnership approach. By working side‑by‑side with charities, the council and local residents, we can take coordinated action that reduces harm, builds trust, and creates safer public spaces. Together, we’re making real progress in supporting vulnerable people and improving safety across High Town.”

You can report suspicious or anti-social behaviour via our website: Report antisocial behaviour | Bedfordshire Police

If you would like to receive information about joining the quarterly Pathways meetings in Hightown, please email: hightown@luton.gov.uk

You can also sign up to Beds Connected: www.bedsconnected.co.uk for up to date information about your local area and follow the High Town Luton channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz40EJGU3BSE7Tyjp0U.

Thank you.