Partners launch summer crackdown on town centre crime
07 July 2026
Northamptonshire Police, working alongside partners, has launched a nine-week operation to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in Northampton town centre over the summer months.
Operation Workforce will see increased police activity across the town centre, with officers targeting key issues including anti-social behaviour, shoplifting and robbery, serious violence and drug-related harm.
The initiative has been developed in partnership with West Northamptonshire Council and Northampton Business Improvement District (BID), combining enforcement with prevention and community engagement.
Chief Inspector for Response and Local Policing (West), Nic Davis-Lyons, said: “Northampton town centre is a busy and vibrant place, particularly during the summer, but we know there are ongoing concerns around anti-social behaviour and crime.
“This operation is about delivering visible, targeted policing activity that both reassures the public and tackles those responsible for offending.
“We will be focusing on the issues that matter most to our communities, while continuing to work closely with partners to build longer-term solutions that keep the town centre safe.”
The operation will run from early July through to September, with different themes each week allowing officers to focus on specific crime types and problem areas.
Activity will include high-visibility patrols, hotspot policing, business engagement, enforcement against known offenders and the use of specialist tactics, including knife arches and potential drugs detection deployments.
There will also be a strong focus on engagement with young people, with partners delivering additional youth provision and activities across the summer to provide safe and positive opportunities.
Joint patrols involving police, council teams and BID representatives will help identify and address issues such as anti-social behaviour hotspots, empty buildings and locations that can attract crime. Free2Talk's youth bus will also be in the Market Square on August 4 and 25, from 1pm to 4pm, offering support, advice and positive engagement opportunities for young people, alongside youth workers and young ambassadors.
Neighbourhood Sargeant, Anna Wyburn, said: “We know how important the town centre is to residents, businesses and visitors, particularly as we head into a busy summer period.
“Operation Workforce is about responding directly to community concerns, with a clear focus on the crimes that have the biggest impact on people’s confidence and safety.
“By combining targeted enforcement with strong partnership working, we are committed to making Northampton town centre a place where people feel safe and welcome.”
Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone added: “Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone said: “This operation shows a clear focus on the issues that matter most to people - I know it will be welcomed by businesses and residents.
“Visible policing and effective partnership working should deter anyone thinking of coming to Northampton to commit crime, and I want the public to feel confident that agencies are working together to keep them safe.”
Cllr Charlie Hastie, Deputy Leader of WNC and Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, said: "We take anti-social behaviour and crime very seriously and are committed to keeping Northampton town centre a safe and welcoming place for everyone.
“Alongside targeted action to tackle knife crime, our Anti-Social Behaviour Officers maintain a visible presence in the town centre, engaging with young people and raising awareness of the dangers associated with urban exploring in empty and derelict buildings. We are also pleased to support Free2Talk's youth bus sessions, providing young people with access to trusted advice and support.
“Operation Workforce demonstrates the value of strong partnership working by bringing together key local agencies to address the issues that matter most to our residents and businesses. Through prevention, education and enforcement, we are working together to make our communities safer."
Operation Workforce will continue throughout the summer, with officers encouraging anyone with concerns about crime or anti-social behaviour in the town centre to speak to them or report information.