Targeting those who prey on Christmas party-goers is the focus of the City of London Police’s festive strategy.

Dedicated officers have received specialist training and will be on patrol during the Christmas party season in the City. This is in a bid to crackdown on sexual predators, including ‘non-contact’ sex offences like indecent exposure, unwanted staring and catcalling.

The force says dealing with this criminal activity may well prevent more serious sexual offending and make the nighttime economy safer for women and girls.

City of London Police Commissioner Peter O’Doherty said:

“The City is a great place to visit during the festive season and we’re expecting large numbers coming into the Square Mile to enjoy everything it has to offer.

“During the Christmas party season, women in the City shouldn’t have to fear being abused or harassed when they’re out. We’re committed to making our streets safer and we specifically target perpetrators who make women and girls feel unsafe.

“Our dedicated officers will be out in force across the City, using covert and overt tactics to tackle acquisitive crimes such as bag thefts and phone snatching. These crimes have significant impact on victims and we’re determined to prevent them.

“Our warning to criminals: if you come into the City this Christmas intent on committing crimes, we will catch you and bring you to justice.”

This Christmas, the City of London Police is reinforcing its commitment to tackling violence, abuse and intimidation against women and girls, with the implementation of the biggest Op Reframe, a monthly operation focusing on preventing violence against women and girls in the nighttime economy.

Officers will be running a number of safety and crime prevention initiatives into the New Year, including ‘Ask for Angela’ testing at licenced premises, drink spiking workshops and sampling, and initiatives aimed at getting people home safely.

Safe havens will be available across the City, particularly to support women during night-time economy. Those listed in the Safe Haven network include Guildhall North Wing and West Wing, The Leadenhall Building (The Cheesegrater) and Novotel London Tower Bridge.

A Safe Haven app is also available for people to find their nearest safe haven location in the Square Mile. The Safe Haven allows a temporary place of refuge, such as for those who might need their phones charging or wait for a taxi to get home safely.

The City of London Police’s Christmas plan coincides with the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based violence, an international campaign to end violence against women to raise awareness of all types of abuse and violence, pursuing violent and abusive men while rooting out toxic misogyny in society.

The City of London Police’s Proactive Acquisitive Crime Team will step up their focus on crimes such as theft of bags, phone snatches and shoplifting, as a large number of visitors come into the Square Mile to enjoy the festive season.

The force’s Cycle Team will also have an increased presence this Christmas to help patrol the City’s streets over the festive period.

The Cycle Team is highly visible and able to quickly get through areas inaccessible to vehicles and will help to deter and detect criminals, including seizing illegal e-bikes and disrupting phone snatchers.

Project Servator officers will also be deployed all over the City throughout the festive season. Launched in the City of London in 2014, Project Servator is a policing tactic that aims to disrupt a range of criminality, including terrorism, while providing a reassuring presence for the public. If you see us while you’re out in the City, don’t be alarmed. Feel free to speak to our officers who will explain what they’re doing and answer any questions you may have.

Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Police Authority Board, Tijs Broeke said:

“The City of London Police’s proactive approach to preventing crime and anti-social behaviour helps ensure women and girls can enjoy the City safely – especially during the festive season.

“Working together the City Corporation, the force, businesses, and community groups are committed to making the City safer and more vibrant.

“Let’s all play a part by supporting these efforts and looking out for one another during this busy period.

“If you notice suspicious activity or witness a crime, report it to the police. Your vigilance can help protect others and keep the City safe this Christmas.”

To help everyone have a safe festive season, those coming into the city are reminded to:

Be extra alert – protect your phones, bags and belongings this Christmas.
Keep your head – don’t let alcohol or celebrating slip into anti-social or violent behaviour.
Know how to get help – immediately if you feel vulnerable or that you feel unsafe.
If you see anything suspicious or witness something that doesn’t feel right, report to the police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.