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FORCEWIDE
A magical encounter with the big man in red is the only one you need this festive season, and we’d also prefer it that way so that you can enjoy Christmas with loved ones, friends, and colleagues without our intrusion.
However, we know what those naughty elves are like, and as always, we are fully prepared with plans and actions galore to keep you safe and protected, and to ensure the naughty elves are sat on the custody shelf where they belong.
Policing the festive season is a busy time for us and throughout December our teams will be working together to keep everybody safe as city centre nightlife and roads get busier, ex-partners come together for their families and opportunist criminals look to take a sneak peek at gifts under the Christmas tree.
Leading on policing the festive period this year is Chief Superintendent Andy Maultby, who said: “Christmas for us, alongside our emergency service colleagues, is one of our busiest times of the year with a number of varied crime types occurring and being reported.
“Throughout December we particularly see an increase in domestic abuse, violent crime, sexual offences, drink driving, and burglary.
“Not only this, but cases of fraud also increase particularly in November in the lead up to Black Friday and Cyber Monday when people are getting their Christmas gift bargains in early.
“All it takes is one more drink, one unlocked window or door, one click on the wrong website, one chat with a stranger, one knife, one moment of madness. And everything can change.
“All we want is for everybody to have a safe and enjoyable Christmas, and that’s why, over the coming weeks, our officers will be providing you with bespoke and expert advice so you can take those steps to stay safe.
“As a part of our promise to keep you safe this festive season, we’ll also be keeping you up to date as we continue to take criminals off the streets who think it’s okay to commit crime.
“If you are heading out to enjoy a drink or two, you can be sure to see our teams out and about in uniform and plain clothes working alongside partners and door staff, making sure you’re able to enjoy the festivities safely.
“We’d encourage you to report any suspicious activity to our officers. This could be someone trying to get someone else who may be vulnerable on their own into a dark corner or secluded spot - or leading them outside and into a taxi or unmarked car. Maybe you see someone loitering outside a window that’s been left ajar, or you’re finding yourself in a confrontational situation.
“We want our residents to have an amazing Christmas and hope that it is a safe one. Should you need us in an emergency, immediately contact us on 999.
“Alternatively, to report an incident which is not in progress, or give us information about criminal activity happening in your area, you can contact us by calling our non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
As part of #OpYuletide this year, we are also rerunning our One Punch campaign where families affected by one punch come together to talk about how one split second decision has had a devastating impact on their lives, in the hope of sparing others the same heartache. View films: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkap2odkhvLwMQZVXj8iZHDh5vj6ZRD7o
Our ‘What’s the point?’ knife crime campaign also continues. View films: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkap2odkhvLzfmmm4Q91mmktwu1rjGG3b