North Yorkshire Police is urging people to enjoy the Christmas and New Year’s Eve period in the right spirit and not to spoil the occasion for others with alcohol related violence and anti-social behaviour.
On the last Friday before Christmas – known widely as “Mad Friday” – pubs, bars and clubs are often packed with people celebrating their break-up for the festive period, which has the potential to lead to disorder.
Officers and PCSOs will be out across the county this evening (21 December) making sure that if there is any trouble it will be dealt with quickly and appropriately, so that it doesn’t cause an issue for the vast majority of people who are simply out for a good time.
Boosting the numbers of officers on patrol will be 55 Special Constables who will provide a visible and reassuring presence for revellers.
Chief Superintendent Sue Day, Director of Response and Reassurance for North Yorkshire Police, said:
We are expecting many thousands of people celebrating the start of their Christmas and New Year break to be out and about across the county.
In previous years, ‘Mad Friday’ has passed off with a generally good natured atmosphere and we are expecting the same again this year.
It is, however, a very busy time for the police due to the sheer number of people gathering together in pubs, bars and night clubs. Our policing teams will be out on visible patrols, working with landlords and door staff, to ensure the occasion is a peaceful one.
Make no mistake, though, if anyone steps out of line they could find themselves in the cells this Christmas.
