'Play your part' plea as Falkirk launches Operation Christmas

Operation Christmas has been a fixture in Falkirk over the festive season for well over a decade, and 2020 will once again see police officers carrying out high visibility patrols across the area’s town centres and working alongside officials, shop keepers and others in a bid to cut crime, and provide support for the most vulnerable members of the community.

The initiative, led by Falkirk Police, involves a number of leading organisations including the Howgate Shopping Centre, Falkirk BID, the Scottish Ambulance Service and Falkirk and District Community Safety Panel.

This year, for the first time, the Operation Christmas officers on patrol will also be making sure members of the public also comply with COVID-19 restrictions.

Chief Inspector Chris Stewart, Falkirk Area Commander, said: “Enforcement will always be a last resort – but, as has been shown in recent weeks and months, where this is needed officers will take appropriate action.“I would ask everyone to play their part and comply with the restrictions this festive period in an effort to keep everyone safe and reduce the spread of the virus across Falkirk.”

Operation Christmas will see more high visibility patrols to combat crime, but officers will also be working with local substance recovery services in an effort to ensure the most vulnerable are supported.

Falkirk and District Community Safety Panel are again supporting the operation with a focus on personal safety and financial security .

The well-established Safebase partnership initiative will also run on key dates in December and will provide a safe facility for those who are vulnerable and in need of support.

Safebase brings together a range of partners including Falkirk BID, the ambulance service and the police and provides quick access to a safe place for those in need of assistance.

This can range from people who have fallen or slipped and have a minor injury to people who are intoxicated and unable to care for themselves.

It also reduces demand on frontline emergencies services including police and ambulance crews.