Cheshire Police to launch #OpJingles on 1st December

Officers from Cheshire Constabulary will be working hard this Christmas to ensure criminals are caught and residents are kept safe during the festive period.

The Constabulary’s #OpJingles campaign officially launches on December 1, with tackling domestic abuse and violence and intimidation against women and girls high on the agenda.

Last week (November 23-25) a three-day operation targeting domestic abuse perpetrators saw 60 people arrested across the county, and the message is clear that domestic abuse in unacceptable and Cheshire Constabulary will continue to do all it can to stamp it out completely.

A series of domestic abuse web chats are scheduled throughout December and up to New Year’s Eve. 

During these, victims or family and friends of victims can anonymously ask for help and advice from a panel of experts from Cheshire Police and agencies from the Open The Door partnership.

Across the county local policing teams will also be working with pubs, clubs and health authorities to help keep people safe on any nights out they have planned.

Some of the extra measures in place will include:

• A larger visible police presence at night-time hotspots across the county
• Plain clothes officers patrolling alleyways and secluded places
• Officers visiting to licensed premises with a focus on drink spiking education and awareness for door staff
• Drugs dogs being deployed in town and city centres

Throughout the Christmas and New Year period officers will also be targeting crimes such as robberies, burglaries and car theft – and educating people on what they can do to keep their property safe

The force will be working in partnership with Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service to warn of the dangers and consequences of drink and drug driving, and the social media channels will be providing advice on how to stay safe online and ensure you don’t become a victim of cyber-crime or fraud.

Superintendent Laura Marler, who is overseeing the Constabulary’s Christmas operation, said: “The aim of #OpJingles is to deter criminals, catch those who are responsible for crime, minimise disruption across the county and keep people feeling safe and reassured over the festive period.

“We want everyone to have a good time and enjoy themselves, and the extra measures we are putting in place for nights out will help keep people safe whilst also targeting anyone who is behaving inappropriately.

“I want to reassure people that we remain resolute in our pursuit of those who believe they are above the law will ensure they are held accountable for the crimes they have committed.

“We also want to remind people going on a night out that, what can start innocently, can end as a night in with us if too much alcohol and drug use leads to criminal activity.

“The cost of a night out can be a lot higher than the price of a meal and a few pints.” 

John Dwyer, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, added: “I know that this year has continued to be a real challenge for many residents, and I hope this Christmas period will provide some much-needed cheer. Officers and frontline staff will be on duty helping to keep their communities safe over the festive period. Please help them to help you by following their safety advice and information.”

The safety advice and guidance will be delivered through a combination of videos, gifs and images. To make sure you don’t miss any of the messages, follow us on Twitter - @cheshirepolice - and look for the hashtag #OpJingles, ‘like’ our Cheshire Police Facebook page, @CheshirePolice on Instagram or visit:

www.cheshire.police.uk

The online webchats are part of the ‘Open the Door’ campaign, encouraging people to start a conversation about domestic abuse, and break the taboo that leads to victims remaining silent.

Questions asked by the public are anonymised and answered by a Police Officer who specialises in domestic abuse, representatives from Cheshire CARES, who provide support for survivors of domestic abuse and representatives from the local authority and other organisations who have the common aim of helping survivors.

The Open The Door domestic abuse web chat dates for December are:

Wednesday 1 December 10-11am

Tuesday 7 December 3-4pm

Thursday 16 December 2-3pm

Monday 20 December 1-2pm

Thursday 30 December 11am-12 noon

Anyone wanting to take part has the option of submitting a question in advance by e-mailing digital.team@cheshire.pnn.police.uk or by sending a private message to us during the session if they wish to remain anonymous.