CLAMPING down on alcohol-fuelled sexual assault was the target of a hard-hitting police campaign launched in Burnley.
Leaflets were handed out to revellers and posters put up in bars, clubs and the Rest and Retreat centre as part of Operation Nexus, aimed at raising awareness of the risks associated with drinking excessively during a night out on the town.
The campaign saw officers hand out information in a bid to reduce sexual assault and encourage victims to come forward and report incidents to the police while a dedicated webpage featured information, useful contact details and films explaining the differing perspectives of rape.
Det. Sgt Mick Cross, from Burnley CID, said: “The operation has helped to raise awareness of the risks associated with drinking excessively while highlighting the steps people could take to make them less vulnerable and therefore less likely to become a victim of sexual assault.
“We saw a significant reduction in the number of alcohol-related sexual assaults committed by strangers with no reported incidents across the three boroughs during the operation.
“The ultimate aim was to prevent incidents from happening in the first place by educating people about safe drinking limits and urging them to consider the consequences of their actions. If it has helped to prevent even one offence then it has been worthwhile.”
Police will be holding a similar operation in the run up to Christmas.
Anyone wanting to report a sexual assault can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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