Increased police visibility as Operation Season's Greetings launched in Derry and Strabane

POLICE in Derry City & Strabane have launched their annual Christmas operation, which aims to keep people safe in the run-up to and over the Christmas and New Year period.

Operation Season’s Greetings will see increased police visibility and patrols across the district, with uniformed and plain-clothed officers focusing on shopping areas, nightlife venues, public transport hubs and car parks to deter criminal activity, reassure the public and support local businesses.

Derry City & Strabane Chief Inspector, Cherith Craig, said: “Keeping people safe is our priority - whether that’s on the roads, in our transport hubs, while shopping and socialising; generally going about their day-to-day business.

“Through Operation Season’s Greetings, our officers will provide a visible presence to help keep people safe, prevent crime, and offer reassurance to shoppers, businesses and those enjoying festive nights out.

"The focus is on public safety, road safety and tackling violence against women and girls, alongside preventing thefts and antisocial behaviour in busy shopping and nightlife areas.

"We’re also encouraging everyone to take some simple precautions - secure your home, plan nights out and how to get home safely, and take care of your personal belongings. Small steps can make a big difference.

“We also know that reports of domestic abuse often increase during the Christmas period.

"Our message to anyone affected is clear. We are here for you. Please reach out if you need help.

"Call us on 101, make a report online at https://reporting.psni.police.uk/report/domestic-abuse or dial 999 in an emergency. We will listen, we will act, and we will support you.

"Our focus will also be on road safety, and we are appealing to everyone to play their part in reducing deaths and injuries on our roads. In 2024, 69 people lost their lives on the roads.

“Our appeal is for everyone to remember the fatal five and the devastating consequences failing to follow these can have - don’t drink or take drugs and drive; slow down; don’t be careless; always wear your seat belt and never use your mobile phone while driving."

Chair of the Derry and Strabane Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), Alderman Keith Kerriga, said: "PCSP is proud to support Operation Season's Greetings once again.

"This is a time for celebration and community, and we want everyone across our city and district to enjoy themselves safely.

"We're particularly focused this year on preventing drink-driving, tackling violence against women and girls, and ensuring our town centres remain safe and welcoming spaces.

"By working together with the PSNI and our community partners, we can all play our part in making this a memorable Christmas for all the right reasons.

"We encourage everyone to look out for one another, plan their journeys home responsibly, and help us keep our communities safe during what should be a joyful time of year."

Holly Reed, the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) project officer, from Foyle Women's Information Network, said of the initiative: "We’re proud to support Operation Season’s Greetings and its efforts to make our communities safer for everyone.

"We all deserve to feel safe when we’re out shopping or celebrating. Whether you're an individual or a business, this is a reminder that safety is a shared responsibility.

"This is a time to look out for one another and ensure safety, support and kindness are at the heart of our celebrations.”

Operation Season’s Greetings is also supported by Translink.

Sarah Simpson, Translink’s Northern area Mmnager, said: “Safety remains our top priority with the return of our popular late-night bus and train services over the festive period.

"We continue to work closely with the PSNI as part of a multi-agency approach to ensure a safe environment for everyone in all public spaces while supporting the local economy and encouraging more sustainable travel choices.

"There’s a wide range of services and good value tickets to choose from and we would encourage our customers to plan their travel in advance using the Translink JourneyPlanner App or visit www.translink.co.uk/christmas for further details.”

For more information on crime prevention, personal safety and how to contact your local police, visit: www.psni.police.uk/christmas