Police target crime crackdown ahead of Market Square reopening

POLICE are continuing their campaign to drive down crime in Northampton town centre ahead of the reopening of Market Square.

Northamptonshire Police is working alongside partners including Northampton Business Improvement District and West Northamptonshire Council. Joint patrols are under way to identify and address issues and problem locations such as empty buildings and street furniture.

Officers will also be seeking to arrest wanted offenders, engaging with retailers and will be using a knife arch and drugs dog to detect and prevent offences.

“Northampton town centre has so much to offer, but we know there are certain issues around anti-social and criminal behaviour that are causing concern to businesses and shoppers,” said Chief Inspector Kim Jackson.

“The targeted and joined-up work of this operation will see us put a real dent in offence figures and take those responsible for repeat offending off the streets.”

Operation Workforce came about following a visit to the town centre by Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet and Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone.

Mr Balhatchet said: “Having spoken with traders, shoppers and residents in the town centre about their concerns, we have looked at the core crime types occurring here and put together some robust policing activity to address them.

“We want this revitalised public space to be safe and welcoming for everyone and recognise there is work for us to do in order to achieve this.

“By tackling these key issues and continuing our positive partnership work, we know we are doing our bit to make sure Northampton remains a town we can all be proud of.”

Ms Stone added: “Businesses told us very clearly that they wanted to see more visible, engaged policing and partners working together to make the area a safer place. These eight weeks of joint activity are a great start.

“The people who work and live in the area know it best and I want them to be confident that we have listened to what they had to say and taken their concerns seriously.”

Police are also putting long-term measures in place in a bid to keep the town centre as safe and crime-free as possible.

“Our work will continue way beyond this eight-week crackdown,” said Chief Inspector Jackson. “We are also putting in place long-term measures with partners to ensure our successes are carried forward.”

West Northamptonshire Council is backing the anti-crime initiative. “Operation Workforce as it plays a crucial role in ensuring that our new Market Square is safe and welcoming for all,” said Cllr Daniel Lister, cabinet member for local economy, culture and leisure.

“The revitalisation of the Market Square is not just about enhancing the physical environment but also about bringing significant community benefits.

“This space will serve as a vibrant hub for local businesses, cultural events, and social gatherings, strengthening our town’s sense of community and boosting the local economy.

Northampton’s Market Square is due to reopen over the weekend of October 19-20.

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