GMP issue Christmas Markets update as armed officers set to patrol

Greater Manchester Police have welcomed the opening of the Christmas markets and launched Operation Dasher to keep visitors safe.

The Alpine huts are officially open and ready to kick start the festive season as market-goers tuck in to some hot seasonal grub and sip on mugs of warmly-spiced mulled wine.

As footfall in the city centre increases, with shoppers busy buying presents and enjoying festivities, Greater Manchester Police says it will be providing a ‘heightened presence’ around the city ‘to act as a deterrent to criminality and ensure the safety of everyone attending’.

Visitors of the Manchester Christmas Markets can expect to see additional neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs as well as specialist police officers, including plain clothes and firearms officers.

Patrol plans also include deployments by specially trained officers from Project Servator and Operation Vulcan Piccadilly, to disrupt and tackle a range of criminal activity.

GMP says the increase in police presence is to help ‘ensure everyone heading out to enjoy festivities can do so safely’.

Inspector Glen Rees of Greater Manchester Police said: “Greater Manchester Police has once again launched Operation Dasher in the city centre, which is our policing operation for the Manchester Christmas Markets.  

“The operation steps-up patrols, draws on a wide range of force resources and uses a combination of tactics – including high-visibility and plain clothes deployments – to reduce crime and ensure everyone heading out to enjoy festivities can do so safely.

“We are also working closely with wider partners including Manchester City Council and are linked in with businesses to offer support throughout the busy Christmas period.

“We will also be utilising Project Servator deployments which can pop up anywhere, at any time. If you see one of these in action, it is nothing to worry about.

“Our officers will be happy to explain what they’re doing and if you have any questions, please speak to them and find out how you can help play a part in keeping people safe this Christmas.”

Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said: “Our partners at GMP do a great job 24/7 of helping make sure our world-famous Christmas markets are a safe place for everyone to visit. 

“Some of their activities you’ll see and others you won’t, but they’re all designed to help make sure our visitors have the best time possible at the markets and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back again this year.”