Facial recognition cameras, additional police patrols and anti-terror barriers will be among the security measures in place when Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland opens on Thursday 12 November.
Nottinghamshire Police has confirmed that officers will maintain an increased presence in the city centre throughout the festive period, until 31 December.
Neighbourhood officers, PCSOs and specialist officers, including those in plain clothes, will patrol the Christmas markets and surrounding streets.
Facial recognition cameras will also be deployed to help police identify people wanted by the courts or suspected of committing offences.
Armed officers will be on standby, while anti-terror vehicle barriers will be installed around the attraction in Old Market Square.
Police stressed that the measures are not in response to any specific threat but are intended to provide reassurance to visitors.
Nottingham City Council’s Community Protection Officers, My Local Bobby officers from It’s in Nottingham and Octavian security guards will also patrol the area.
Other organisations involved in the security arrangements include St John Ambulance, Nottingham Street Pastors and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Chief Inspector Kylie Davies, who leads neighbourhood policing in Nottingham city centre, said the increased presence reflected the larger numbers of people expected during the Christmas period.
She said: “With larger numbers of people coming into the city centre to enjoy Winter Wonderland and other festive events, and to do their Christmas shopping, we are stepping up our policing accordingly to provide reassurance and maintain a safe and enjoyable atmosphere.
“Together with partners, our officers will be patrolling the markets and wider area to ensure everyone is able to have a fun and pleasant time.”
She urged visitors to remain vigilant, keep an eye on their belongings and report suspicious activity to police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.
The festive policing arrangements will build on Operation Reclaim, a city centre initiative launched in May to tackle criminal activity.
Police say more than 1,000 arrests have been made since the operation began.
Chief Inspector Davies said: “The operation continues to make a positive impact, and the festive patrols will continue that momentum.”
Nottingham City Council expects around one million visitors to the city over the festive period.
Councillor Matt Shannon, the council’s Executive Member for Community Protection, Neighbourhoods and Equalities, said Community Protection Officers would carry out high-visibility patrols across Winter Wonderland and the wider city centre.
He said: “Our Community Protection Officers will be carrying out high-visibility patrols across Winter Wonderland and the wider city centre, working alongside police and security partners to tackle antisocial behaviour, support businesses and respond quickly to concerns.”
He added that H-stop vehicle barriers would be installed around Old Market Square, having previously been used at Nottingham Beach, Goose Fair and Notts Pride.
Winter Wonderland opens on Thursday 12 November and runs throughout the Christmas period.
