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Gwent Police has launched an initiative aimed at improving safety for people on nights out in Newport, with a particular focus on protecting women and girls from predatory behaviour.
Backed by the Police and Crime Commissioner, Jane Mudd, and local authorities, Project Vigilant will see high-visibility and plain-clothes officers carrying out regular, unannounced patrols in the city centre. Officers have received specialist training to identify behaviours that may signal harassment or potential sexual offending and to intervene before a crime occurs.
Targeting predatory behaviour early
The scheme is designed to challenge behaviour that can make women and girls feel unsafe or intimidated. Officers will look for signs such as groups loitering near venues, catcalling, following lone or intoxicated women, invading personal space, filming women without consent or other actions that could indicate predatory intent.
When suspicious activity is identified, uniformed officers will step in and take appropriate action. During a recent patrol, officers spoke to several individuals, carried out precautionary stop-and-search checks and intervened after a man was seen following three women near Newport railway station.
Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Clarke, who is leading the project, said the initiative forms part of the force’s wider commitment to tackling violence against women and girls. He said the aim was not to disrupt people enjoying a night out but to identify potential offenders before serious crimes occur.
“Sexual offences have a devastating impact on victims, so anything we can do to prevent them is absolutely the right thing to do,” he said. Clarke added that officers want people to feel confident reporting suspicious behaviour so that police can act quickly.
Partnership approach to safer nightlife
PCC Mudd said the initiative aligns with her Police, Crime and Justice Plan, which prioritises tackling harassment and abuse. While acknowledging that such measures are needed, she said proactive policing sends a clear message that violence against women and girls will not be tolerated.
Local authorities have also backed the scheme. Newport City Council leader Councillor Dimitri Batrouni said the council wants everyone to feel safe in the city centre, particularly women, and believes the initiative will both deter unacceptable behaviour and reassure visitors to the night-time economy.
Encouraging public support
Gwent Police is urging the public to report concerning behaviour to officers, venue staff or security teams, or anonymously via Crimestoppers. Intelligence about individuals displaying predatory behaviour can also be submitted through the force’s online reporting form, quoting “Project Vigilant”.
The force said it hopes the initiative will help make Newport’s nightlife safer while reinforcing the message that harassment and intimidation have no place in the community.
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