Merseyside Police boost patrols to improve retail & nightlife safety

As Christmas approaches and our city centre and town centres get busier, our officers are ready to help keep thousands of visitors safe as they enjoy our shops, bars, pubs and clubs.

Merseyside Police are issuing safety advice as part of their Winter of Action, taking place between 1 December 2025 and 31 January 2026, which is a national initiative to help keep town centres safe during the festive season and into the New Year.

Inspector Jack Woodward, Merseyside Police said:

“We expect the next few weekends will be busy in the city and in other town centres and areas across our region.
 
“As part of the Winter of Action initiative we  will have an increased police presence each weekend in the run up to Christmas, we will be targeting the minority of people who are intent on causing misery over the festive period, whether that’s by theft from shops, stealing other people’s belongings or anti-social behaviour.  We also have officers deployed in and around the night-time economy (NTE) locations, where they will be looking out for those engaged in predatory behaviour towards women and girls. If you see someone behaving in a way which concerns you, let us know.”

“We are asking anyone who visits the shops please remember to look out for each other and report any suspicious behaviour, we would like to remind people to be kind to retail workers who are extremely busy around this time of year, aggressive behaviour towards them will not be tolerated.  If you do see any retail workers being abused in any way we would ask you to not personally intervene but do please report it to security staff.  Make sure when you are visiting any bars, clubs and restaurants, that you do not leave your belongings unattended, keep your bags securely fastened, and purses and wallets on your person. we want everyone to enjoy themselves, stay safe and get home safely so please plan ahead and drink sensibly and look out for each other.”

As part of the campaign to reduce crime and keep our communities safe during the festive season, you will see more Merseyside Police officers out and about in the run up to Christmas and into the New Year. They will use uniformed and plain-clothes officers, plus specialist teams including the Dog Section, Mounted Section and Roads Policing to help keep us all safe. 

Officers will be policing the vibrant night-time economies of the city and busy town centres throughout Merseyside with their partners and linking in with CCTV operators and local businesses, door staff, licensees and bar staff to help make sure you feel safe whilst enjoying a night out.

Shaun Holland, Director of Operations at Liverpool Business Improvement District said:

“We know how busy Liverpool City Centre can be at Christmas and it’s a time of joy and revelry, but it’s vital for our businesses that it’s as safe a place to work as it is to both shop and go for a night out. We’ve marked 15 years of Purple Flag status in Liverpool, so it’s one of the safest night outs you can have, but that only exists because we work together.” 

Mersyside Police ask that communities help them by continuing to report offences or any suspicious behaviour so they can ensure people’s Christmas and New Year are remembered for the right reasons.

They also ask that people embrace the spirit of Christmas and remember that it’s not an easy time for some – please look out for each other. 

Take care of your valuables

• When carrying a bag or handbag, check it’s closed with the opening facing towards your body, especially in crowded areas.
• Don’t leave shopping bags on display in your car and make sure your car is securely locked.
• Keep your wallet or valuables out of sight if you can.                                                          
• Separate a little money from your handbag.  That way, if your bag does get stolen, you can still get home.

Getting home

• Plan your journey home before you set off – pre-book a taxi or arrange a lift with a non-drinking driver – and go home with friends if you can.
• Don’t get into unlicensed vehicles. You can make sure you get home safely by using a private-hire company, whether you book your taxi beforehand by phone, or take a properly licensed Hackney Cab.
• If you are walking, keep to busy and well-lit streets where possible.

Cash points and carrying money

• Take care at cash points – look around before inserting your card. If you see somebody suspicious hanging around the cashpoint, walk away and go back later.
• Only take out what you need, don’t walk around with bundles of cash in your pockets.

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