Public urged to support PSNI officers over festive season as fight against organised crime continues

Justice Minister Naomi Long is pictured during a visit to PSNI Organised Crime Branch with PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck and Chief Superintendent Emma Neill.

The public has been urged to fully support Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officers working throughout the Christmas and New Year period, as Justice Minister Naomi Long praised frontline staff for their commitment to keeping communities safe during one of the busiest times of the year.

During a visit to officers engaged in tackling organised crime, the Minister highlighted the breadth and scale of criminal activity faced by police and encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and report concerns.

“I want to wholeheartedly thank every member of the PSNI who will be working over this Christmas and New Year period. Their professionalism, commitment and dedication, is the cornerstone of community safety,” she said.

“This festive season, as every other day of the year, the police will be there to deter and disrupt criminal activity, protecting us all, and I would encourage everyone to support them as they do so.

“If you have even the smallest concern or suspicion, please report it to the PSNI: it could potentially save someone’s life or thwart the sinister intentions of those who seek to profit from someone’s vulnerability.

“While I sincerely hope that you never become a victim of crime, if you do need help, the PSNI will be there 24/7 to support you.”

Behind the scenes of organised crime policing

Justice Minister Naomi Long is pictured during a visit to PSNI Organised Crime Branch with left to right – Superintendent Avine Kelly, Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck, Chief Superintendent Emma Neill and Superintendent Paul Woods.

Minister Long heard directly from officers in the Organised Crime Branch about ongoing efforts to disrupt organised crime groups and bring offenders before the courts. Their work spans a wide range of serious criminality, including organised crime, modern slavery and human trafficking, paramilitary crime and economic crime.

The human cost of this work is often hidden, with vulnerable people targeted behind closed doors. Officers described how criminal gangs adapt their methods, particularly during the festive season, to exploit financial pressures and isolation.

According to the latest Annual Report for the Organised Crime Taskforce, the PSNI made 222 arrests, conducted 447 searches, carried out 8,472 drug seizures, and seized almost £1.5 million in cash during 2023/24.

In July 2023, PSNI also worked with Romanian authorities to focus on the activities of an organised crime gang trafficking young Romanian women throughout Northern Ireland for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

“An impact on all communities”

Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck of the Police Service of Northern Ireland said organised crime affects every part of society.

“Serious and organised crime has an impact on all communities here in Northern Ireland, as those who perpetrate this type of crime do so in a planned, co-ordinated way to target vulnerable people,” he said.

“Our officers are unwavering in pursuit of those who profit from the exploitation of others, and will continue to work collaboratively, through partnerships in the Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF), Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF) and Joint Agency Task Force (JATF).

“These partnerships are crucial in providing a multi-agency approach to tackling organised crime and reducing the harm it causes to communities, individuals and businesses in Northern Ireland.

“With the support of local people and our partners, the Organised Crime Branch will continue to disrupt the activity of crime gangs, upholding our objective to keep people safe, and bring those who cause significant harm, before the courts.”

A hidden crime taught closer to home

Minister Long also warned that organised crime often affects people in ways they may not immediately recognise.

“Most people don’t think of themselves as being a victim of organised crime but the chances are that organised crime has affected all of us. It is wide-ranging and examples include counterfeit goods, scams, drugs, cyber and economic crimes.  The threat from organised crime is increasing in scale and complexity and spanning multiple countries.

“Organised crime is exploitation. Particularly at this time of year, these criminals find new ways of exploiting people’s vulnerabilities for their own gain, and in turn, we must adapt and be vigilant in our collective responses.

“Modern slavery and human trafficking are heinous crimes and are an affront to our values as a society. The victims of such exploitation are some of the most vulnerable in our society, yet the crimes against them often go unnoticed.

“I am hugely appreciative of the officers of the PSNI’s Organised Crime Branch for their exceptional efforts in ensuring that the perpetrators of exploitation are pursued effectively, and that their victims can receive the vital support they need. Every day, including over the Christmas period, it is reassuring to know that PSNI are working relentlessly to bring those responsible to justice.”

As families prepare to celebrate Christmas, the Minister’s message is clear: behind the scenes, PSNI officers will continue working around the clock — and public support, vigilance and reporting concerns can make a crucial difference.