Across the Humberside policing area, winter brings increased footfall and longer periods of darkness, placing additional pressure on policing and partnership services.
As we enter the final full week before Christmas, and with festive events and heightened retail activity, the Humberside policing area is preparing for increased activity in town centres and retail hubs.
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside is proud to lead local delivery of the Home Office’s national Winter of Action, running from 1 December 2025 to 31 January 2026, to make town and retail centres safer during the busy festive period.
Jonathan Evison, Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside, said “The Winter of Action initiative gives us the chance to work with partners to restate our commitment to a strong, visible response during one of the busiest times of the year. While much of this work is part of our everyday policing and community safety activity, this coordinated approach highlights our efforts on a national stage and strengthens our collective voice. Together, we aim to make town centres safe, welcoming, and vibrant this festive season.
“I would like to thank all of the officers and staff who will be working hard throughout December and January to serve our communities.”
Launched by the Home Secretary to build on the success of the Safer Streets Summer campaign, the Winter of Action initiative forms part of the Government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee and Plan for Change. It focuses on tackling retail crime, anti-social behaviour, street crime, and night-time economy risks, while safeguarding vulnerable people and promoting public confidence.
Key priorities throughout the Winter of Action include:
- High-visibility patrols and hotspot policing in key town and retail centres, supported by real-time deployment tools such as our locally developed tool, VisiBeat.
- Retail crime prevention, including targeted patrols, engagement with local businesses, and action against prolific offenders.
- Night-time economy safety, with anti-spiking measures, licensing checks, and safe transport initiatives.
- Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) campaigns, including the Humber-wide ‘Just Don’t’ campaign launched last week.
- Youth engagement, environmental improvements, and support for vulnerable groups.
The Commissioner and his team would like to thank Humberside Police and our community safety partnerships for their direct work in the coordination and delivery of this initiative, and also the wider network of partners - including local councils, voluntary organisations, and businesses - whose support is vital in keeping our communities safe this winter.
