Operation Carol keeping you safe and secure on Christmas nights out in Scarborough

Night-time safety patrols have stepped-up in Scarborough to help keep Christmas revellers safe and secure.

Working closely with management and staff at licensed premises in and around the town centre, the multi-agency Community Impact Team is visiting venues to ensure key safety issues remain at the forefront of everyone’s mind.

 

This includes the use of a Passive Drug Detection Dog called Luna to check inside pubs and bars, and in the town centre itself, to identify those in possession of a range of drugs including cannabis, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy and amphetamine.

 

Also, recognising and reporting concerning behaviours indicating harassment and abuse of women and girls.

While the majority of bar and door staff have already taken part in Welfare And Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE) training sessions, Operation Carol is providing another prime opportunity to raise awareness about issues such as violence, alcohol and personal safety in relation to spiking.

 

 

 

The ‘Ask for Angela’ scheme is also being promoted which is aimed at both women and men who feel unsafe on a date and need assistance to discreetly move away from the person in question.

At the end of the night out, officers are providing a high-visibility and engaging presence as people make their way home from the town centre.

 

 

 

They are keeping a watchful eye to ensure any vulnerable people are attended to and suspects are dealt with appropriately.   

Speaking after an operation on Thursday evening (15 December), Police Constable Kirsty Masters, the Beat Manager for Scarborough Town Centre, said:

 

PC Masters added:

 

“We want everyone to feel safe while enjoying a night out in Scarborough during the Christmas season and beyond.

“This includes at the start of the night to when people are walking home or using taxis.

“Our policing teams, together with Scarborough Borough Council’s community safety and licensing officers, are actively engaging with the licensees, door staff, staff members and customers about the importance of providing a safe environment.

“This includes tackling drugs-related crime and raising awareness about the sickening behaviour of a small minority of men who target women and girls.

“We’re doing all we can to root the offenders out and raise awareness about this deeply concerning issue.

“We’re determined to make our town safer and provide real reassurance for women and girls who should not have to live in fear. We all have a part to play to make a change for the better.”