Image via South Yorkshire Police.
South Yorkshire Police are set to deploy Project Servator officers to busy locations over the festive period, including Meadowhall centre.
Project Servator is used by forces to disrupt criminal activity by having officers to spot any suspicious behaviour.
The officers will use special tactics to detect anyone who may be planning to commit a crime, such as specialist CCTV surveillance, drones and dressing in plain clothes.
Over the summer, South Yorkshire Police began deploying officers to the shopping centre and have confirmed this will continue into the winter.
Sergeant Jonathan Simpson, force co-ordinator for South Yorkshire Police, said: “If you see our Project Servator deployments in Meadowhall, Sheffield city centre, or anywhere across the force in the run up to Christmas, there is nothing to worry about.
“Project Servator deployments take place all year around and these deployments are not in response to any threat to the area and are deliberately unpredictable.
“We want everyone to be able to enjoy the festive season safely whilst knowing our Project Servator officers are there looking out for them, whether they can see them or not.”
Project Servator officers will appear in several locations across the county, including the city centre following the return of the annual Christmas markets next weekend.
South Yorkshire Police urge the public to assist policing by being vigilant themselves, reporting any activity which may seem suspicious to a member of staff or to the police via 101, or 999 in emergency cases.
