Increased patrols to keep Leicester City Centre safe this festive season

Leicestershire Police will be increasing patrols in the city centre throughout December to ensure everyone can enjoy the festive season safely.

From 1 December to 31 December, officers will be highly visible across key areas, supporting the Christmas Market, seasonal shopping, and Leicester’s vibrant night-time economy. The aim is to provide reassurance, prevent crime, and help people feel safe during one of the busiest times of the year. 

This proactive approach builds on the success of recent operations by the city team, including Op Pedalfast (tackling the use of illegal e-vehicles), Op Streetwise (addressing vehicle related anti-social behaviour), and Op Swam (identifying carriers of drugs in serious violence hotspots). These initiatives have already made a positive impact, and the festive patrols will continue that momentum. 

Inspector Ryan Ludlam, Neighbourhood Policing Area (NPA) Commander for Leicester City Police, said: 
"The festive period is one of the busiest times of the year, and we want everyone to feel safe and supported while enjoying the celebrations.  

“Our increased presence is about reassurance, visibility, and being there when you need us." 

This forms part of our Safer Streets Winter campaign, which tackles seasonal challenges in town centres by: 

• Retail Crime: Preventing theft and abuse of retail staff. 
• Street Crime & ASB: Increasing visible patrols and enforcement. 
• Night-Time Economy & VAWG: Reducing alcohol-related disorder and violence against women and girls. 

Officers will be engaging with businesses, visitors, and residents to help prevent crime and keep the city welcoming for all. 

If you see our officers out and about, please stop and say hello – we are here to help. 

For updates from our Leicester City neighbourhood policing team, visit: https://www.facebook.com/CentralLeicsNPA