West Mercia Police to deploy more officers over Christmas

For the first time plain-clothes police officers, who are trained to spot predatory behaviour, will be out and about in towns and city centres across the Three Countries.

The officers will be in pubs and clubs to identify individuals who might be displaying concerning behaviour and will have the power to call on uniformed colleagues to intervene and help prevent any criminal offences from taking place.

The tactic, funded by the Safer Streets 5 initiative, has been shown to reduce violence against women and girls and aims to create a safer night time economy.

Head of prevention at West Mercia Police, Superintendent Edward Hancox, said: “From previous experience, we know which nights are likely to be the busiest over the festive period and we will have extra officers on duty to help keep people safe.

“Most people can go out, have a few drinks and enjoy themselves without causing any trouble. It is the minority who cause trouble and out message to these people is we are looking out for you and we will take action.

“Being drunk is no defence for becoming involved in violent crime or disorder. Don’t get a criminal record and ruin your future prospects through something you do whilst you’re drunk.”

This week also sees the launch of the annual Operation Christmas Presence which sees extra officers on duty to help keep people safe on the busiest nights of the year with specialist licensing officers working with local authorities and licensed premises to ensure areas remain as safe as possible.

Police and Crime Commissioner, John Campion, said: “I am committed to ensuring everyone feels safe in communities across West Mercia especially during the night time economy.

“At the heart of my Safer West Mercia Plan is a focus on tackling violence against women and girls. I welcome the introduction of trained and undercover officers playing a vital and covert role to identify predatory behaviour and ensure perpetrators are taken off our streets.”