Police launch Christmas operation to keep shoppers safe
04 Dec 2009
Police in South and East Belfast have increased steps to deter and detect criminals over the busy Christmas period.
With thousands of people expected to visit Belfast to shop or enjoy a night out, Police will be running “Operation Season’s Greetings” to keep shoppers and revellers safe during the festive season.
Police, working in partnership with Belfast City Council, Belfast City Centre Management and Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce, will particularly focus on shoppers’ safety this year.
Leaflets providing crime prevention and safety advice will be distributed in key locations. Additional officers will be patrolling on foot, in cars and on bikes around key shopping areas, night-life spots and major car parks. They will be conducting high visibility patrols in key areas at key times, and using modern head-cam technology and Bluetooth equipment in an effort to prevent crime and reassure shoppers and business owners.
South and East Belfast District Commander, Chief Superintendent Brian Maguire said the measures were aimed at preventing criminals from spoiling the festive period for shoppers and business people alike, causing heartbreak and disappointment for many people in the process.
“Today we are releasing footage of theft and attempted theft to raise shoppers’ vigilance of what to look out for. The CCTV footage highlights how easy it is for determined offenders to deprive you of your belongings.
“Our high visibility presence sets out to generate a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone during the festive season. In fact, today we are also publishing footage taken by police head cameras to demonstrate the quality of evidence this new technology can capture.
“Make no mistake – over the Christmas period police officers will be out in force; we take every offence very seriously and have stepped up our operations to apprehend and prosecute offenders.
Police will also be seeking to deter persistent criminals by either imposing bail conditions banning them from the city centre or seeking remands in custody where there is evidence that they are persistently targeting city centre businesses or shoppers.
“However, we need people to help us look after them by taking basic precautions and looking after their own safety as well. There are numerous sensible measures you can follow to ensure that you and your family will not fall victim to crime this Christmas.
- Be alert to the possibility of a thief snatching your handbag or mobile phone. Don’t keep all your money in one place.
- Make sure you keep your handbag closed at all times – a half-open bag is an invitation to a thief.
- If your bag has a strap, wear it in front of you across your body.
- Be vigilant around ATM machines when taking out cash. Consider using your debit card in stores and getting cash back.
- When parking your car, park in a well-lit area and / or in an attended car park.
- Don’t leave gifts or valuables inside the car for all to see - lock them in the boot out of sight.
“We would also urge retailers to think seriously about their security and check their premises regularly for anything suspicious. Anyone seeking crime prevention advice should contact the local Crime Prevention Officer on 0845 600 8000,” Chief Superintendent Maguire added.
“Finally, I would like to wish you all a very happy, peaceful and crime-free Christmas and New Year.”
Andrew Irvine from Belfast City Centre Management said the Christmas Policing Plan was to be warmly welcomed.
He said: “As in previous years, the work of the Police this Christmas season will be complemented by very successful Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce schemes, including; Retail Crimewatch which identifies and shares information on shop-lifters, Radiolink which provides communications between the city centre retailers, and the dedicated City Centre Beat Police team.
“I join the Police in encouraging the public to take sensible common-sense precautions to prevent opportunist crime, and assure the public that the Police, Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce and Belfast City Centre Management are working in close partnership to deliver a safe and enjoyable City Centre."
