A crime-free Christmas is on the cards in Cardiff with the launch of a wide-ranging community safety campaign to keep residents and visitors safe during the festive season.
It is estimated that in the run up to Christmas enough people to fill the Millennium Stadium three times over will be in Cardiff city centre every day.
From Monday, December 6 back office staff will be on the beat to maximise police presence on the streets as part of Operation Holly.
Operation Holly aims to tackle the alcohol-related crime and domestic violence which can increase during the Christmas party season.
This year there are potentially two ‘Bleak Fridays’ – December 17th and 24th – and the Street Pastors scheme and NHS triage Service will focus on providing additional support to vulnerable people who may be suffering from the effects of alcohol.
Operation Holly will also be targeting other issues such as shoplifting, vehicle-related crimes and anti-social behaviour.
Divisional Commander for Cardiff Chief Superintendent Bob Tooby said: “Cardiff is a wonderful city particularly at this time of year with the shopping centres, nightlife, and the family activities such as Winter Wonderland
“Of course all theses attractions draw thousands of people in the city and it is our job, along with our partners at Safer Capital, to keep them safe.
“As part of Operation Holly back office staff will be on the beat to maximise police presence on the streets as well as a range of initiatives to make the festive season safe and enjoyable for everyone.”
Over the next three weeks here are some of the initiatives in place:
- Alcohol test purchasing throughout the city
- A drink responsibly campaign involving t-shirts and beer mats
- Spot checks on taxis
- Extension of Street Pastors and the NHS triage Service on week days.
- The use of knife arch equipment
- Extended Taxi Marshalling service from December 13
- Extended road closure of Greyfriars Road during week day evenings
- Educating motorists on removing valuables from their cars.
- Crime prevention roadshows.
Chief Supt Tooby added: “There will be high-visibility patrols day and night to deter shoplifters, car criminals, and prevent any drunken or violent behaviour.
“We welcome people into Cardiff who are here to enjoy the night-time economy and not get involved in alcohol-related crime and disorder.
“If they do then we will take robust action and people could end of spending Christmas in one of our many cells.”
Councillor Judith Woodman, who co-chairs the Safer Capital partnership, said: “As a partnership, Safer Capital is committed to making sure that this year’s festivities pass as safely as possible. Crime is at a twenty year low in Cardiff and we aim to keep it that way.
“We want everyone to enjoy the festivities but in a way that is socially acceptable and respectful of others.”
“To help combat thieves, As part of the wider Operation Holly campaign, Safer Capital is running ‘Jingle Bells’ again based on its success last year at helping to reduce the number of incidents of pick-pocketing in supermarkets. Hundreds of small jingle bells will be issued at key retail and civic sites which can be attached to purses and wallets to alert shoppers if someone is trying to steal them.”
