The local police force has launched its Christmas campaign with a clear message to have fun over the holidays, but don’t overstep the mark.
Operation Safe and Nice to All (SANTA) reminds people how to enjoy themselves safely by providing a mix of safety advice, reminders of the consequences of committing offences, an insight to life behind the scenes at Dyfed-Powys Police at Christmas and a sprinkling of fun and surprises along the way.
The force says it will step up patrols in the Welshpool area over the next few weeks to deter anti-social behaviour as well as offer reassurance and advice to help people to feel safe.
T/Assistant Chief Constable Pam Kelly said: “We’re very fortunate in Dyfed-Powys to live or work in a safe place with low crime, but at Christmas time it is easy to forget to take the sensible safety steps we would usually take. Through Op Santa we will be reminding people of the things they can do to keep themselves, their loved ones and their property safe and secure.
“Our crime figures show the offence we tend to see the most significant spike in over Christmas is common assault. We know this is often fuelled by excessive alcohol. While we don’t want to dampen people’s Christmas spirits, part of our policing duty through Op Santa is to remind people of the very real consequences of committing this type of offence.
“The best thing to do when faced with confrontation or aggression is to walk away.
For a daily dose of Christmas advice look out for the #OpSanta advent calendar on the Dyfed-Powys Police Facebook page. You can also follow them on Twitter @DyfedPowys.