Deployment in Ashford Town Centre Leads to Arrest
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Deployment in Ashford Town Centre Leads to Arrest |
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Last night, Kent Police officers were deployed across Ashford town centre as part of a proactive deployment to help ensure everyone could enjoy a safe evening out. A mixture of uniformed and plain clothes officers were on patrol to support our operations such as part of Project Vigilant, a county-wide initiative designed to safeguard those enjoying the night-time economy and prevent violence against women and girls. The operation forms part of Kent Police's ongoing commitment to ensuring women can socialise safely and confidently, particularly during the busy festive season. As with previous deployments in Canterbury, Medway and Maidstone, officers were tasked with identifying suspicious or predatory behaviour, with a particular focus on individuals who may pose a risk to women and girls. Patrols took place across the town centre, including visits to pubs, clubs and other licensed venues. Where concerning behaviour was identified, officers acted promptly to engage, intervene and prevent situations from escalating into potential offences. Across Kent, Project Vigilant deployments continue to result in intelligence being gathered, interventions being made and action being taken against those displaying predatory behaviour. During last night's deployment, officers became concerned by the behaviour of one man and carried out a stop search. He was found to be in possession of Class A controlled drugs (see photo below) and was subsequently arrested. Further enquiries carried out at the scene also provided officers with information suggesting he had made threats towards another person involving a knife. He was arrested in connection with both matters and remains in police custody while enquiries continue. During these deployment over the coming festive period, our neighbourhood officers will spend time engaging with door staff, licensed premises, partner agencies and members of the public, listening to concerns and providing reassurance to those enjoying Ashford's evening economy. Project Vigilant is just one part of Kent Police's wider work to tackle violence against women and girls. To further support these efforts, Kent Police has introduced specialist police dogs, PD Sully and PD Max, who have been trained to detect drugs commonly associated with drink spiking offences. They are deployed at events and operations across the county to support officers in identifying those who may be carrying substances intended to facilitate serious offences. If you would like to find out more about the work Kent Police is doing to tackle violence against women and girls, access support, report abuse, or learn how to recognise the signs of abuse, please visit: Anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour or feels unsafe while on a night out is encouraged to speak to police officers on patrol, venue staff, or report concerns to Kent Police.
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