Long calls for public to support PSNI this festive season

Date published: 22 December 2025

During a visit to officers, working to tackle the scourge of organised crime, Naomi Long said:

 “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.

“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.”

Minister Long heard how Organised Crime Branch is working to disrupt organised crime groups and bring them to justice. Their work includes tackling organised crime, modern slavery and human trafficking, paramilitary crime and economic crime.

According to the latest Annual Report for the Organised Crime Taskforce, the PSNI had a significant impact in the fight against organised crime gangs making 222 arrests, conducting 447 searches, 8,472 drug seizures, seizing almost £1.5m in cash in 2023/24. In July 2023 they also worked with Romanian authorities focusing on the activities of an organised crime gang trafficking young Romanian women throughout Northern Ireland for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck Police Service of Northern Ireland, said:

 “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.

“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.”

Minister Long added:

 “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.”