Op Winter launched in Swansea to keep communities safe during the festive period
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There will be an increased police presence in Swansea city centre on the run up to Christmas as part of our annual operation, Op Winter.
Running until Christmas Eve, Op Winter will see high visibility patrols throughout the city centre providing public reassurance and deterring criminal activity. Officers will undertake foot patrols to engage with the public and respond to any incidents.
Local Police Inspector Mark Watkins explains:
“During the run to up Christmas Day, Swansea attracts a large number of people into the city centre who are visiting the Christmas Market and Winter Wonderland as well those who are in town Christmas shopping or attending Christmas parties.
“Christmas is one of the busiest periods of the year for the city and with this comes the potential for increased shoplifting offences, antisocial behaviour and an increase in alcohol and drug related offences.
“As with all other times of the year, we remain committed to ensuring that everyone enjoys Swansea’s events, attractions and venues safely so officers will be working alongside partners to reassure shoppers and revellers, as well as disrupting and deterring criminal activity. Our aim is to reassure – not give you anything to worry about. My officers are there to keep you safe.
“A chalet within the Christmas Market will be staffed by police and our partners to offer support to anyone visiting the city centre. Officers will be more than happy to chat to you and if you do spot something that doesn’t seem right, please let them know and they can check it out.”
Russell Greenslade, Chief Executive of Swansea Business Improvement District added:
“As a direct result of the intelligence received from our 800+ organisations, we have stepped up to support our partners at South Wales Police with even more resources to deploy in our fast-growing city centre, with financial support towards additional police officers over the peak period in the city centre.
“The objective is to help reduce anti-social behaviour and business crime, helping improve the visitor and trading environment at a critical period for our businesses.
“This further investment in our city centre's safety measures is in addition to our other security operations that include funding towards the city centre Ranger team and our Night Marshals operations, who work in close partnership with the police to keep visitors and traders safe in the city centre.”