24/11/2025
PSNI Launches Operation Season's Greetings With Increased Patrols
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) today, Monday 24 November 2025, launched its annual Christmas policing initiative, Operation Season's Greetings.
The operation is aimed at maintaining safety and preventing crime throughout the festive period and into the New Year.
The core of the operation involves increased police visibility and patrols across towns and cities in Northern Ireland. Uniformed and plain-clothed officers will focus their efforts on shopping areas, nightlife venues, and public transport hubs.
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson, leading this year's operation, confirmed the primary focus areas: "Our focus this year will be on public safety, road safety and tackling violence against women and girls, alongside preventing thefts and antisocial behaviour in busy shopping and nightlife areas."
A key component of this year's initiative is the deployment of Project Vigilant in several key towns and cities. This project involves plain-clothed officers working alongside uniformed colleagues in and around nightlife areas specifically to identify predatory behaviour, intervene early, and protect individuals who may be vulnerable on nights out. This proactive approach aims to prevent sexual offences and ensure a safe night-time economy.
ACC Henderson stressed the commitment to tackling violence: "By identifying concerning behaviour early—whether that's unwanted attention, someone being followed, or a situation where a person appears vulnerable—our officers can intervene before harm occurs."
The PSNI also issued a clear message regarding domestic abuse, which sadly often sees an increase during the Christmas period. ACC Henderson stated: "Our message to anyone affected is clear. We are here for you. Please reach out if you need help."
The operation is supported by collaboration with key partners, including Retail NI and Translink, and through the Business Crime Partnership. Ian Campbell, Translink Director of Service Operations, noted that the safety focus supports the return of popular late-night bus and train services.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, welcomed the operation, encouraging everyone to look out for one another and enjoy the festive period responsibly.
The operation is aimed at maintaining safety and preventing crime throughout the festive period and into the New Year.
The core of the operation involves increased police visibility and patrols across towns and cities in Northern Ireland. Uniformed and plain-clothed officers will focus their efforts on shopping areas, nightlife venues, and public transport hubs.
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson, leading this year's operation, confirmed the primary focus areas: "Our focus this year will be on public safety, road safety and tackling violence against women and girls, alongside preventing thefts and antisocial behaviour in busy shopping and nightlife areas."
ACC Henderson stressed the commitment to tackling violence: "By identifying concerning behaviour early—whether that's unwanted attention, someone being followed, or a situation where a person appears vulnerable—our officers can intervene before harm occurs."
The PSNI also issued a clear message regarding domestic abuse, which sadly often sees an increase during the Christmas period. ACC Henderson stated: "Our message to anyone affected is clear. We are here for you. Please reach out if you need help."
The operation is supported by collaboration with key partners, including Retail NI and Translink, and through the Business Crime Partnership. Ian Campbell, Translink Director of Service Operations, noted that the safety focus supports the return of popular late-night bus and train services.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, welcomed the operation, encouraging everyone to look out for one another and enjoy the festive period responsibly.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.