THAMES Valley Police has made 12 arrests and dealt with over 70 football-related incidents as part of its World Cup policing in recent weeks.
Operation Aurora, TVP’s co-ordinated work to keep fans safe as they supported England and attended events during this year’s FIFA Men’s World Cup.
Demand was largely concentrated around England fixtures, particularly during the quarter-final and semi-final stages, with 39 incidents and 10 arrests recorded during those reporting periods alone.
Police say that incidents were largely linked to alcohol-related disorder, violence connected to licensed premises, and anti-social behaviour in town centres and other public spaces where supporters gathered to watch matches.
At least 12 domestic abuse incidents were recorded during the tournament, accounting for 16 per cent of all football-related incidents.
While incidents reported as football-related are carefully recorded, the true number may be higher as a connection to football is not always disclosed or identified when incidents are first reported.
Officers carried out targeted safeguarding activity and welfare checks throughout the tournament to support those identified as being at increased risk.
TVP also reported that there were no hate crimes recorded, no Football Banning Order-related offending was identified, and no ‘community tensions’ were reported during the operation.
Superintendent Ade Hall, Gold Commander for the operation, said: “The World Cup brought people together across the Thames Valley, and I’m pleased that the majority of supporters enjoyed the tournament responsibly and without incident.
“As England progressed through the competition, we saw increased demand around licensed premises and public screening events, particularly during the quarter-final and semi-final stages.
“Our priority throughout was to help people enjoy the occasion safely while ensuring local communities were protected from disruption.
“While most fans celebrated responsibly, we took action where behaviour crossed the line into violence, disorder or anti-social behaviour.
“By working closely with our partners, local authorities and licensed venues, we were able to respond quickly when incidents occurred and minimise disruption across our communities.”
Alongside enforcement activity, neighbourhood teams and safeguarding officers continued work to protect vulnerable people, including carrying out welfare checks on individuals identified as being at increased risk of domestic abuse.
Thames Valley Police’s lead on Domestic Abuse and Stalking, Detective Superintendent Holly Stockwell, said: “Sadly during the tournament we did see a number of domestic abuse incidents which appeared to be directly linked to the tournament.
“Our officers and staff worked effectively to arrest individuals and support victims in order to protect them, and looked to use all powers available to us in order to do so.
“However we want people to know that our work to support victim/survivors of domestic abuse doesn’t stop–we are a 24/7 seven day a week service.
“Domestic abuse can affect anyone and we want people to know they are not alone, and we will be there to support them.
“If you are in danger call 999, if you can’t speak press 55 and stay on the line if safe to do so.
“Or there’s information on other ways to report and how to get support if you don’t want to speak to police on our domestic abuse pages.”
