From EADT today
http://www.eadt.co.uk/content/eadt/news/story.aspx?brand=EADOnline&category=News&tBrand=EADOnline&tCategory=news&itemid=IPED22%20Dec%202006%2018%3A21%3A41%3A730
Interesting though that this operation has been going for two years, since the UK became engaged in military action in Iraq
as noname pointed out, redcaps have no jurisdiction over civillians…
look like there is a significant amount of crime and violence being committed by military personnel returning from active duty – (many often have difficulty adjusting to civilian life, and when faced with death every day they stop caring about much else) – looks like the “war is coming home”
REDCAPS have been out in festive force on the streets of Colchester helping Essex Police with its annual Christmas crackdown on crime.
For the second year running, the Royal Military Police have joined civilian police officers as they near the end of Operation Christmas Cracker, a month-long clampdown on incidents of anti-social behaviour and retail crime.
Lance Corporal Nathan Spink from 156 Provost Company, at Colchester Garrison, said yesterday: “We are trying to prevent any trouble but it is nice to get out there and show how we help the community.
“This is certainly a lot different from patrolling in Afghanistan, where the heat could be 50 degrees.”
The military policemen and women, known as Redcaps, from Colchester have recently returned from operations there and in Iraq and Lebanon. They are instantly recognisable because of their distinctive red hats and berets.
Cpl Spink returned from Afghanistan in October and he has been homing in on the town’s nightclubs and speaking to shop managers in a bid to crack down on thieves.
He said: “Last year the worst incidents were with people high on drugs and alcohol who could be really aggressive.”
Pc Martin Brown, of Colchester police, said that crime levels in the town had been lower than during last year’s operation.
He said: “The message seems to be out. But I want to remind people to go and enjoy themselves, but don’t get too drunk and get home safely.”
Although Operation Christmas Cracker ends today, the forces will continue to combine their efforts with Operation Macedoine, a crime crackdown operating at night-time in the week and at weekends in Colchester.
