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14
Nov
North Yorkshire Police confirms armed patrols at Harrogate Christmas events
North Yorkshire Police plans to send armed officers to patrol Harrogate’s Christmas events this year.
As previously reported, a Christmas Fayre will not return to the town this year — but there will be an ice rink in the Valley Gardens, a Little Birds Market and a Santa’s Grotto and ice sculptures in the town centre.
The events will be spread out at various dates in December and January. You can read more here.
Meanwhile, Zoom Events will hold markets on Cambridge Street over three weekends in December.
A stallholder at a previous Christmas Fayre.
The force’s confirmation of firearm officers patrolling the town comes as a similar patrol will be carried out at York Christmas Market, which will be held between November 12 and December 21.
Officers will be carrying out high-visibility patrols at locations including York Christmas Market, York Designer Outlet, Winter Wonderland and other busy areas across the county.
The force said their presence is intended to provide reassurance, deter criminal activity and help protect the public during one of the busiest times of the year.
Chief Inspector Mark Proctor, of North Yorkshire Police's firearms support unit, said:
The run up to Christmas is a special time of year when towns and city centres become busier with residents and visitors enjoying festive events, markets and shopping.
Our armed patrols are one of a number of policing tactics used to help keep people safe, prevent crime and provide reassurance in crowded places.
These officers are highly trained and are there to protect the public. Their presence should be seen as a positive measure to help ensure everyone can enjoy the festive period safely.
We would also encourage people to remain alert and report anything that appears suspicious or out of place. By working together and looking out for one another, we can help keep North Yorkshire safe this Christmas.
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