Humberside Police have launched their festive police operation to tackle seasonal crime under the banner of Operation Yuletide.
Police are offering assurances to the public that despite entering a period of festivities they will be on hand to server the public.
Deputy Chief Constable Garry Forsyth said:
“The festive period is a time for families and friends to come together catching up and spending time with loved ones. For many this will undoubtedly lead to copious amounts of gifts being shared, overindulging on food and drink and enjoying a well-deserved break from work.
“Our staff will be no different in trying to spend time with their loved ones and get into the swing of festivities, but as usual a large number of our people will be working over Christmas period – whether this is the contact officers answering calls from the public, Police Patrol Officers responding to incidents of crime & disorder, Custody officers supervising people in our custody facilities or Detectives carrying out police enquiries.
“We do undoubtedly experience specific challenges in the run up to both Christmas and New Year’s day and as a result have launched Operation Yuletide, which is our response to areas of demand that increase at Christmas.
“These are:
• Retail crime and associated anti-social behaviour;
• Policing of drinking hotspots in our city, towns and villages; and
• Domestic Abuse.
“The retail element will respond to the expected increase of shoppers heading to shops across the area picking up presents for family and friends. In this hustle and bustle a small number of people wish to take advantage of the situation committing shop thefts, stealing purses or wallets from shoppers or causing anti-social behaviour. To support retailers, shoppers and people living in these areas we are increasing the high visibility patrols in the area to deter offending, deal quickly with incidents and reassure people who may feel vulnerable in such a busy environment.
“We also know that people will be planning go out for a few drinks as part of office parties, meeting up with friends and family or merely to celebrate the start of a Christmas break from work. However, some people will drink more than they are use too and may behave out of character – in this situation they are more likely to be a victim or perpetrator crime. In response to this there will be a large police presence at drinking and socialising hotspots engaging with revellers at the start of their nights, working with licensees to deal robustly with those causing disorder, carrying out passive drug dog operations to deter people bring drugs into licensed premises, deter and respond to crime and disorder; and work with local agencies to support people who are vulnerable due to their excesses.
“Sadly, Domestic Abuse does take place over Christmas and we will have extra specially trained officers and support agencies working over Christmas and the New Year to respond to any calls so we promptly begin supporting victims, gather evidence for an investigation and safeguard the families affected. Our response is as always that Domestic abuse whether physical, emotional or controlling behaviour is not acceptable and we along with local authority partners and community voluntary sector partners are here to help. Also victims should not suffer in silence and people who care for them should encourage them to seek help.
“Our team will be working all over the Christmas and new year tackling crime, responding to incidents and taking proactive steps to manage spikes in specific crime areas, however we still need you to play your role in keeping yourself, loved ones and property safe. With this in mind I would encourage everyone to help us by taking simple steps such as watching out for friends and planning how you are getting home following a night out, keep their property secure while shopping or locking homes and vehicles.
“For further advice on keeping yourself and property safe over the Christmas period we have launched a virtual on-line Yuletide Christmas Calendar. Behind each window of the calendar you will find a Yuletide related Christmas video aimed at highlighting the work of the force, helping to keep you safe or simply bringing a smile to your face.
“I would also urged people to look out for their community by keeping an eye on elderly or vulnerable neighbours. This could be reporting suspicious activity or simply getting into the Christmas spirit by offering to pick up every day essential from the shop. Finally, I would urge the public everyone to help us by reporting incidents they think are suspicious on 101 and calling 999 if there is a crime in progress.
“Together let’s make it a Merry Christmas and Happy start to 2017.”
