Home / Crime and Justice / NI Christmas: Officer Assaults Decreased
NI Christmas: Officer Assaults Decreased
30 Jan
Summary
- 228 police officers were assaulted during December 2025.
- Shoplifting offenses saw a 1.7% increase compared to last year.
- Operation Season's Greetings targeted festive footfall areas.
Over the Christmas period of December 2025, Northern Ireland recorded 228 assaults against police officers. This figure represents a decrease from the 274 assaults reported during the same period in the preceding year. Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson emphasized that even a single assault is unacceptable, with officers experiencing being kicked, punched, and spat upon.
During the same month, shoplifting offences increased by 1.7% year-on-year, totalling 662 incidents. Anti-social behaviour reports saw a decrease of 4.4%, with 2,954 incidents recorded in December 2025. The PSNI's "Operation Season's Greetings" aimed to provide a visible police presence in bustling town centres and shopping districts.
The operation, running from late November to early January, also focused on road safety, retail crime, and violence against women and girls. Plain-clothed and uniformed officers were deployed in key nightlife locations to address concerning behaviour. This initiative aimed to prevent harm and offer reassurance to the public, demonstrating a commitment to tackling violence and ensuring safety.
