Sleep safe – with #OpJingles

Cheshire folk can sleep safer in their beds this Christmas – in the knowledge that Cheshire Police have launched a seasonal initiative.

OpJingles is the latest catchily-named initiative of Cheshire police, intended to clamp down on crime over the festive period.

Throughout Christmas and New Year officers will be targeting crimes including car theft – and educating people on what they can do to keep their property safe.

We’re advised “Officers across Cheshire will be working hard to ensure one of the busiest weekend’s in the festive calendar is as safe as possible as part of #OpJingles.

“Uniformed patrols are being stepped up and boosted with the support of the Special Constabulary, while plain clothed officers have been operating in and around bars, pubs and clubs ensuring that anyone intent on causing trouble or harm is dealt with.

“Partnership safety buses will also be out force-wide and will provide support to anyone who feels that they are vulnerable or in need of assistance during the evening.

“These safe havens will offer mobile phone charging, crime prevention advice and more importantly, someone to talk to who will offer support.

There will even be “safe tents whereby officers and partners will be engaging with revellers.”

Assistant Chief Constable Bill Dutton said: “Throughout December, the force has increased policing around our night time economies to make sure everyone is as safe as possible while enjoying themselves in the county’s bars, clubs and pubs.

“Our officers will be there to engage with the law abiding public but also to crackdown on those who think they can prey on people when they are vulnerable. No-one should be in fear in our area.

“We will be focussing on issues such as spiking, sexual assaults, violence against women and girls and targeting other activity such as drug dealing, theft and licensing breaches.

“We will not stop in pursuing those who are intent on causing harm. We have over 90 custody cells and we are quite prepared to fill them where people are committing offences.”

Just one observation – I remember a time when this was called standard policing – a service provided year in, year out – apart from the mobile phone charging of course.

Lord knows what they’ll all do after Christmas – maybe another initiative?

Stay safe out there.