London,
13
December
2013
|
10:44
Europe/London

Hackney Council fund extra police over Christmas and New Year

Hackney Council is funding extra police patrols over the Christmas and New Year period to help ensure the safety of residents and visitors.

The patrols will form part of Operation Winter Nights, run by Hackney Police and the Council's Community Safety wardens. Extra officers will be stationed across Hackney, including the borough's busiest night spots.

High visibility patrols will take place in Dalston and Shoreditch at the busiest times of the night, ensuring party goers keep the noise down in residential areas. Officers and wardens will also focus on anti-social behaviour in Gillett Square, enforcing the dispersal zone.

Personal safety information will be handed out to revellers and plain clothes officers will be carrying out an operation to catch illegal, unlicensed taxi drivers. Officers will also be visiting licensed premises.

Hackney has some great venues for a really good night out. We want to encourage people to come and enjoy what Hackney has to offer this Christmas, but we want them to stay safe and respect those living nearby. We've got an excellent partnership with the Police, so by working with them and funding extra patrols, we hope that residents and visitors alike will have a happy, safe Christmas.
Cllr Sophie Linden, Deputy Mayor, Hackney Council

Chief Inspector Matthew Horne said: "We want everybody to enjoy the Christmas period. We'll keep you safe by working with the Council and our licensees. We have additional officers on duty late into the night and with the help of the Council they'll be able to patrol longer.

"In turn we ask that you look after your valuables - especially your phone - and plan your journey home. We can all enjoy Hackney responsibly. Happy Christmas and stay safe."