More than 200 police officers in Northern Ireland were assaulted over the Christmas period, according to new figures.
From 1 to 31 December 2025, there were 228 attacks on officers, down from 274 in December 2024.
Last month, 662 shoplifting offences were recorded, an increase of 1.7% compared with December 2024.
The information on the Christmas policing operation - Operation Season's Greetings - was released by the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
"Sadly, we continue to see unacceptable levels of violence directed towards our people," Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) Ryan Henderson said.
"While we welcome any reduction, even one assault on an officer or staff member is one too many.
"These assaults included officers being kicked, punched, spat on and subjected to threatening or abusive behaviour while simply doing their jobs.
"In a number of cases, officers sustained minor injuries such as cuts and bruising, while others required medical treatment."
Running from late November to early January, the operation saw officers across all districts deliver a highly visible policing presence in town centres, shopping areas and nightlife zones.
Patrols focused on locations with increased festive footfall, including Belfast Christmas Market, Victoria Square, The Boulevard Banbridge, The Junction Antrim and key rail and transport hubs across Northern Ireland.
The operation also included targeted enforcement around road safety, retail crime, anti-social behaviour, and violence against women and girls.
Last month, there were 2,954 reports of anti-social behaviour, representing a decrease of 4.4% compared with the same period in 2024.
ACC Henderson, who led the operation, said it "demonstrated the best of community-focused policing: visibility, prevention and partnership".
"Officers and staff across every district worked tirelessly to ensure people could enjoy the festive season safely," he said.
In total, the PSNI patrolled 68 targeted areas on more than 2,100 occasions, supported by colleagues from neighbourhood, response and specialist units.
The operation deployed plain-clothed and uniformed officers across key nightlife locations to identify and intervene in predatory or concerning behaviour.
ACC Henderson said the project "helped prevent harm, offered reassurance, and demonstrated our ongoing commitment to tackling violence against women and girls".
Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said that it was "pleased to work with the Police Service of Northern Ireland on this successful operation".
"It is a good example of partnership between business and the police to tackle a challenge, particularly at such a critical time of the year for the retail sector," he said.
