Norfolk police operation makes no sexual offence arrests in 20 months

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 25 Oct, 07:08 · Archive

Project Vigilant, a Norfolk police operation to protect women from predatory behaviour, has made no arrests for sexual offences in its first 20 months.

Project Vigilant, a Norfolk police operation launched in November 2024, was created to protect women and girls from predatory behaviour at night. The scheme has been deployed 52 times across Norwich's city centre, involving uniformed and plain-clothed officers patrolling pubs, clubs and areas such as Prince of Wales Road and the UEA to spot and prevent spiking, harassment, cat-calling and other forms of sexual misconduct.

Figures released by Norfolk Constabulary show that between October 2024 and June 2026, the operation made no arrests for sexual offences. Instead, officers arrested people for drug possession, possession with intent to supply drugs, assaulting emergency workers, common assault, drink-driving, theft, public order offences and breaches of dispersal notices.

Norfolk Constabulary stated that arrests alone do not reflect the operation's success. A police spokeswoman said the scheme is 'primarily focused on early intervention, prevention and disruption, operating in the space before a criminal offence has been committed'. The force said the purpose is 'not simply to make arrests, but to identify and challenge behaviours that may indicate suspicious or predatory intent before they escalate into criminality'. The operation is funded by the Home Office.

How it is being reported

• Police reveal how many arrests made during 20-month operation to protect womenA police operation launched to protect women and girls from predatory behaviour has not resulted in a single arrest for a sexual offence, figures show.Eastern Daily Press · 25 Oct, 06:00
• Police reveal how many arrests made during 20-month operation to protect womenA police operation launched to protect women and girls from predatory behaviour has not resulted in a single arrest for a sexual offence, figures show.Norwich Evening News · 25 Oct, 06:00

In this story: Project Vigilant · Norfolk Constabulary · Norwich · Prince of Wales Road · UEA · Home Office

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