Armed officers will patrol the Manchester Christmas Markets as police use drones to have 'eyes across the city centre'.
Greater Manchester Police have released details of their planned policing operation ahead of the official opening of the annual festive event tomorrow (Thursday). The force will deploy extra officers, including armed cops, to patrol the city centre over the next six weeks.
Members of the public will be able to spot police dogs and horses in the area. Covert operations will also be carried out as police use dones, CCTV and ANPR cameras to monitor the markets.
READ MORE: Manchester Christmas Markets 2022 full list of traders at every location
The Christmas Markets will be open until December 22. This year, visitors can expect the return of the Winter Gardens in Piccadilly Gardens, as well as markets on Market Street, Cathedral Gardens, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, St Ann's Square, Exchange Square, The Corn Exchange and King Street.
Sergeant Lee Keefe, GMP's Project Servator coordinator, said: "We would like to reassure the public that GMP will be closely monitoring Manchester city centre throughout the festive period. Our security plans are in place for the Christmas markets and visitors can expect to see lots of police across the city centre as safety is our main priority.
"There will be a mixture of highly visible activities such as officers on the streets, including firearms officers, our police dogs and horses, along with more covert operations such as plain-clothes officers and use of drones, CCTV and ANPR cameras to be our eyes across the city centre. We will be working alongside our partners and local businesses to ensure we utilise stewards, market staff and the general public to report anything suspicious to an officer.
"The safety and security of all those attending and involved in the markets is a priority for us over the coming weeks and I’d like to reassure the public that Manchester is a safe place to come and enjoy the festivities."
Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said: "We want everyone who comes to the Christmas Markets in Manchester to have the very best time possible and to feel safe whilst they're here with us. Our partners at GMP do a great job of helping make sure our world-famous markets are a safe place for everyone to visit and we very much value the measures - both seen and unseen - that they put in place every day, all day, at the markets to make sure they are."
Anything suspicious can be reported to GMP via 101, or by using LiveChat on the website. Always dial 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, you can make a report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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