Operation Safe and Nice to All (SANTA) is launched

With Christmas fast approaching Dyfed Powys Police is launching its annual crime prevention campaign reminding people to enjoy themselves safely and lawfully this Christmas.

Dyfed Powys is a safe place with low crime, but during the festive celebrations it can be easy to forget to take the sensible precautions we usually take.

Operation Safe and Nice to All (SANTA) will run throughout December and into the New Year to remind people of the common sense steps they can take to keep themselves, their loved ones and their property safe following weekly themes of shopping, partying, caring and protecting.

Officers will also be increasing their patrols throughout the festive period to deter anti-social behaviour and crime and offer reassurance and confidence to others that the police are there to keep their communities safe.

Superintendent Chris Curtis, Head of Neighbourhood Development at Dyfed-Powys Police, said: “Over the next few weeks Dyfed Powys Police will be issuing common sense advice to the public on a range of practical measures they can take to minimise the risk of becoming a victim of crime this Christmas. Remembering to do simple things like: keeping presents and valuables out of sight; locking doors and windows; being respectful to our neighbours and drinking responsibly when celebrating the festivities can make all the difference.”

The Force will also be taking a firm stance against other serious crimes that thankfully occur infrequently in Dyfed Powys but do sometimes increase slightly over Christmas including domestic abuse, rape and sexual assault.

Officers will be continuing their close working with a number of agencies to provide help and support to any victims who come forward and to swiftly catch offenders who commit these crimes. Police also urge people to keep personal safety at the top of their agenda on a night out and for everyone to be mindful of the effects of too much alcohol on people’s behaviour. Be vigilant, stay safe and stay in control.

Police and Crime Commissioner for the force Christopher Salmon hopes people will embrace the sentiment of the Operation SANTA and look out for one another.

“I urge people to be good neighbours and to act responsibly,” he said. “Christmas can be a tricky time with so many of us taking a break from our everyday routines.

“The police are right to offer reassurance across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys in areas such as safe shopping, driving in wintry conditions, drinking safely and domestic abuse.

“When it comes to these and issues such as home security, personal safety and care for businesses the key message is one of common sense.”

For more top crime prevention tips this Christmas visit their website www.dyfed-powys.police.uk or follow us on twitter @DyfedPowys.