Helping you to enjoy a safe and secure Euro 2024

North Yorkshire Police and partner agencies have teamed up to ensure the Euro 2024 football championship is enjoyed safely and peacefully.

The tournament kicks off in Germany on Friday 14 June with the final being held on Sunday 14 July.

Around 150,000 England fans are expected to travel to Germany to support the national team, with millions of people within the UK set to gather in pubs, bars and homes to watch the BBC and ITV televised matches involving England and other key fixtures in the tournament.

There will be a higher volume of people gathering in licensed premises and in homes to watch fixtures.

If this is combined with excessive consumption of alcohol, or illegal drugs such as cocaine, there may be an increase in anti-social behaviour, violent disorder and domestic abuse.

We are working closely with local and national partners to ensure the tournament is enjoyed in a safe and secure way.

Superintendent Ed Haywood-Noble, the Silver Commander for the event in York and North Yorkshire, said: “International football tournaments like Euro 2024 are fantastic events and we want people to enjoy the England games in the right spirit and hopefully cheer the team into the final on 14 July.

“This can be in pubs and bars or at gathered around the TV at home.

“We know that passions can run high on such occasions. Combined with excessive alcohol consumption and the use of illegal drugs such as cocaine, this can spill over into anti-social behaviour, violent disorder and domestic abuse.

“This is clearly unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

“Together with our partner agencies, we will maintain a highly visible and reassuring presence in our towns and city centres when England are playing to prevent such incidents and quickly deal with any disorder and crime that occurs.

“We also want to make people aware that Football Banning Orders can be issued for offences committed while watching televised football in licensed premises here in the UK.  

“We will take all necessary action against those who step out of line.”

 

 

Licensing Team and the ‘Walk Away’ campaign

“Our Licensing Team is working closely with pubs and bars to heighten safety measures in time for Euro 2024. They are putting bar and security staff through WAVE (Welfare, Awareness, Vulnerability, Engagement) and ‘Ask for Angela’ training so they can look out for people who need help and identify those who could pose a danger to others.

“As part of our ongoing efforts to deter alcohol and drug-fuelled violence in the night-time economy, we will also be actively promoting the national ‘Walk Away’ campaign throughout the month-long tournament.

“This follows-on from our ‘Punched Out Cold’ campaign last year which showed the harrowing consequences of one-punch incidents which can wreck lives in an instant.

“We hope the new campaign will really make people think about their behaviour on nights out, the importance of looking out for your friends, and making sure you and they walk away from potentially inflammatory situations.

“Tragically, it is these momentary acts of violence that can inflict serious brain injuries and even death.

“Not to mention ending up in prison if it was you who lost control.

“It’s just not worth it. Please make the right choice, walk away, and call for police assistance if required.”

Visit the campaign website www.wewalkaway.uk for more information.

 

 

Domestic abuse

“Incidents of domestic abuse have not previously spiked in York and North Yorkshire during World Cup and Euro football tournaments.

“However, we cannot ignore the national trend which shows an average rise of 47% when England are playing.

“It could be that incidents have been under reported in our area and that there are hidden victims who have suffered abuse in the past. It is never too late to make a report and we encourage all victims to come forward.

“Of course, football is not the direct cause of domestic abuse, rather it’s the behaviour around football such as increased alcohol consumption which triggers an abuser’s behaviour.

“We strongly encourage victims to report domestic abuse to North Yorkshire Police via our website or by calling 101. Always dial 999 if an emergency response is required.

“We also encourage them to seek support and advice from outreach services such as IDAS, the Independent Domestic Abuse Service, and Supporting Victims in North Yorkshire.

“A national helpline run by the Refuge charity is available 24/7 by phoning 0808 2000 247.

“Women’s Aid run a discreet live chat help service online, details can be found via its website.

“Details of more support services can be found on the NHS website.

“If you are worried that a partner or ex-partner poses a risk to you or has a history of domestic abuse, you can apply for information via the North Yorkshire Police website about previous history of violence or abuse a person might have under Clare’s Law, the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme.

“You can also apply for information about the current or ex-partner of a friend or relative if you are worried that they might be at risk.

“No-one should have to put up with any kind of abuse. Please remember, we are here to help you.”

 

 

Project Servator and public vigilance

Project Servator deployments will be in place throughout Euro 2024.

This policing tactic is designed to disrupt a range of criminal activity, including terrorism, while providing a reassuring presence for the public.

Our approach relies on unpredictable and highly visible police deployments, whilst at the same time, building a network of vigilance made up of business and community partners, and the public.

Project Servator differs from normal policing in that officers involved are specially-trained to spot tell-tale signs that someone may be carrying out hostile reconnaissance – information gathering that may help them plan or prepare to commit a crime.

Servator is a Latin word which means ‘watcher’ or ‘observer’, and the core principle behind the police tactic is: 'Together, we've got it covered'.

Making a report

If you see something suspicious, please tell a police officer, use the force’s online form to tell us about possible terrorist activity, or call the confidential Anti Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.

If it's an emergency, always call 999. 

You’ll find more information on what to look out for and how to report it at ACT (Action Counters Terrorism).

We’ve no reason to believe this event will be targeted by a terrorist attack. But if the worst happens, RUN, HIDE, TELL.

 

Getting help...

Professional support for drink and drug use concerns:

• Drink Drug Hub website
• North Yorkshire Rise – young people's specialist drug and alcohol service- freephone 08000 14 14 80 (option 2)
• North Yorkshire Horizons - adult specialist drug and alcohol service - freephone 08000 14 14 80
• Changing Lives - City of York Drug and Alcohol Service - 01904 464 680
• NHS
• Talk to Frank helpline and information

 

Domestic abuse support

Please report domestic abuse to North Yorkshire Police via our website or by calling 101. Always dial 999 if an emergency response is required.

There is a range of advice for victims of domestic abuse on our website.

• IDAS – Independent Domestic Abuse Service - go to the website or call the helpline 03000 110 110
• Supporting Victims in North Yorkshire– go to the website or call 01609 643100
• A national helpline run by the Refuge charity is available 24/7 by phoning 0808 2000 247
• Women’s Aid run a discreet live chat help service online, details can be found via its website
• Details of more support services can be found on the NHS website
• If you are worried that a partner or ex-partner poses a risk to you or has a history of domestic abuse, you can apply for information via the North Yorkshire Police website about previous history of violence or abuse a person might have under Clare’s Law, the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme. You can also apply for information about the current or ex-partner of a friend or relative if you are worried that they might be at risk.