Here to keep you safe this festive season

Message from Humberside Police:

Today (Wednesday 1 December) marks the start of our Christmas period policing operation, where we pay particular focus for the areas that affect our most vulnerable at this time of year.

Christmas for many is a joyous time of celebration, where we get together with loved ones we may not have seen in a while. However, for some, this period is frightening, as our night-time economy hotspots and roads get busier, nights get darker and ex-partners are brought back in the same room.

Our message to you this Christmas is that we are here for you. Just a telephone call away. If you need us, we’ll be there.

Chief Superintendent Tracy Bradley said: “As always, the festive season is one of our busiest times, as we particularly see an increase in domestic abuse, sexual offences, drink driving, online scams, and burglary.

“Over the coming weeks, we’ll be issuing the latest crime prevention advice on our website and social media to help keep you, your family and friends safe.

“We’ll also be keeping you updated on those we’ve taken off the streets to make your Christmas a safer one.

“What you can expect from us is to see an increased presence from officers, both in uniform and in plain clothes, patrolling hotspot areas such as city and town centres where there’s a higher concentration of bars and pubs.

“We’ll be working closely with licensed premises and encourage you to engage with our officers out and about and report any suspicious activity to them. This could be someone trying to get someone else on their own into a dark corner or secluded spot – or leading them outside and into a taxi or unmarked car.

“The teams will be proactively making arrests, finding and returning stolen goods, seizing drugs and weapons, and taking dangerous drivers and vehicles off the roads.

“We’re not out to spoil anyone’s fun this Christmas and really hope that you have an enjoyable and 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.”