The PSNI has successfully completed Operation Season's Greetings, its extensive annual campaign dedicated to public safety over the Christmas and New Year period.

Spanning from late November through to early January, the initiative maintained a high-profile presence in major town centres, transit hubs, and retail hotspots. Officers focused on high-traffic areas such as the Belfast Christmas Market, Victoria Square, Banbridge's The Boulevard, and The Junction in Antrim, alongside key rail and transport networks.

The operation prioritised several critical areas, including road safety, retail-related crime, antisocial behaviour, and the prevention of violence against women and girls (VAWG).

During the campaign, police conducted patrols across 68 specific target zones on more than 2,100 occasions. The effort was bolstered by Project Vigilant, an initiative using both uniformed and plain-clothes officers in nightlife districts to spot and stop predatory or suspicious activity.

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson, who spearheaded the operation, stated: "Operation Season's Greetings 2025 demonstrated the best of community-focused policing: visibility, prevention and partnership. Officers and staff across every district worked tirelessly to ensure people could enjoy the festive season safely."

He further noted: "Our proactive approach through Project Vigilant and other safeguarding initiatives helped prevent harm, offered reassurance, and demonstrated our ongoing commitment to tackling violence against women and girls."

Crime Statistics and Trends

Data recorded between 1 December 2025 and 31 December 2025 highlighted shifting crime patterns compared to the previous year: • Antisocial Behaviour: 2,954 reports were made, a 4.4% decrease from the same period last year.

• Shoplifting: 662 offences were recorded, marking a slight increase of 1.7%.

ACC Henderson expressed gratitude toward local councils and retailers for their collaboration in creating safer environments for the public.

Despite the overall success of the operation, violence against police personnel remains a significant issue. During December 2025, 228 assaults on officers were reported. While this is a decrease from the 274 assaults recorded in December 2024, the figures remain a point of concern for the service.

"Sadly, we continue to see unacceptable levels of violence directed towards our people," ACC Henderson added. "While we welcome any reduction, even one assault on an officer or staff member is one too many. These assaults included officers being kicked, punched, spat on and subjected to threatening or abusive behaviour while simply doing their jobs. In a number of cases, officers sustained minor injuries such as cuts and bruising, while others required medical treatment."

The operation relied heavily on cooperation with the Business Crime Partnership, Translink, and Retail NI.

Glyn Roberts, Chief Executive of Retail NI, commented: "Retail NI was pleased to work with the Police Service of Northern Ireland on this successful operation. It is good example of partnership between business and the police to tackle a challenge, particularly at such a critical time of the year for the retail sector. We look forward to building on this partnership throughout 2026."

For advice on personal safety, crime prevention and how to contact local police, visit www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support.