A Northumbria Police operation is paving the way in keeping people safe on nights out as similar pilot schemes are being rolled out in other parts of the UK. Last month, Northumbria Police’s Operation Cloak team were accompanied on patrol by their counterparts from Thames Valley Police to share ideas and work together to build on the way we keep people safe on a night out.
First launched in 2019 in Newcastle city centre, Operation Cloak sees dedicated uniformed and plain-clothed officers placed in busy areas looking for signs someone may be vulnerable or in need of help and identifying people who may be out to commit offences. While it is a police-led initiative, partners in the local authority, licensees, door supervisors, hotel staff and taxi drivers, work together to help ensure people can enjoy a night out in a safe and friendly environment.
Given the scheme’s positive impact, Operation Cloak has been rolled out across the Force area and a number of similar initiatives and pilot schemes have since developed across the country.
