POLICE officers hit Salisbury streets last Friday (March 14) as part of efforts to intercept any potential predatory sex offenders.

These predators can target women who are out in the city at night.

The exercise, named Project Vigilant, saw dozens of people stopped and searched as officers looked for people who were potentially harassing others or loitering without reason.

Police dogs joined officers and were tasked with sniffing out drugs often used by predators.

The force says Project Vigilant is part of efforts to make the city a safer place for everyone.

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“We carried out Project Vigilant in Salisbury on Friday night with the aim of intercepting predatory sex offenders who target women while they’re out at night time,” a spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said.

“With help from Thames Valley Police and CCTV operatives, we stopped, searched and spoke with dozens of people in the city centre.

“Officers were looking for signs of harassment, loitering without reason and stalking behaviour.

“Police dogs Atlas and Marshall are trained to detect a range of drugs commonly used by predators.

“We are committed to making the night time economy a hostile place for anyone who intends to harm or take advantage of women.”