Christmas Arrests – The Common Offences We’re Called Out To Deal With

How We Are Kept Busy Over the Festive Season…

The festive season is meant to be a time of celebration – but every year it also brings a predictable spike in arrests across England and Wales.

Longer nights out, heavier drinking, busy high streets, packed town centres and financial pressure can all combine to create the conditions for criminal allegations.

Police forces typically increase patrols and targeted operations throughout December and into the New Year.

That means people who have never been in trouble before can find themselves arrested, interviewed under caution, or facing court proceedings – often after what felt like a one-off mistake.

Below are some of the most common offences we see around Christmas, along with the potential implications and why early legal advice matters.

Drink Driving and Drug Driving: Festive Enforcement Is Intensified

Drink and drug driving arrests rise sharply in December.

Many forces run dedicated roadside operations – particularly at weekends, near town centres, and in the morning after Christmas parties.

You can be arrested if you are:

• Over the prescribed alcohol limit
• Unfit through drink (even if under the limit)
• Over the legal limit for drugs such as cannabis or cocaine
• Unfit through drugs, regardless of the level

A common issue is the “morning after” risk. Many drivers wrongly assume they are safe once they have slept – when alcohol can still be in the system.

A conviction can lead to a driving ban, a criminal record, substantial fines, and in serious cases custody. It can also have major consequences for employment and insurance.

Theft and Shoplifting: High Street Policing and Retail Evidence

Retail theft tends to increase in the run-up to Christmas, and police often work closely with shops, security teams and shopping centres.

Many stores now use advanced CCTV, body-worn cameras and offender databases to identify suspects quickly.

Even where the value is low, shoplifting can escalate into court proceedings – particularly if it is alleged to be repeated or part of a wider pattern.

The long-term impact can include a criminal record, restrictions on employment, and in some circumstances the risk of custody.

Burglary: Homes and Businesses Are Targeted

Burglary remains a major focus over the festive period, particularly when homes are left empty during travel or businesses close for longer hours. I

nvestigations often rely on CCTV, forensic opportunities and intelligence-led policing.

Burglary offences are treated seriously by the courts.

Sentencing outcomes vary depending on allegations such as planning, targeting, damage, and whether anyone was put at risk – but custody is a real possibility.

Fraud and Online Scams: A Seasonal Spike

Financial pressures and increased online spending can lead to a rise in fraud allegations in December.

These can range from opportunistic wrongdoing to complex investigations involving multiple parties.

Common themes include online marketplace disputes, identity misuse, bank card issues, and allegations connected to work or family arrangements.

Fraud cases are often document-heavy and can move slowly – which makes early legal advice especially important, both to protect your position and to manage evidence properly from the outset.

Violence and Public Order: Night-Time Economy Offences

Alcohol-related disorder increases significantly at Christmas, particularly in nightlife areas.

Arrests can follow incidents that happen quickly – arguments, scuffles, or situations where someone feels they were defending themselves.

Offences can include common assault, ABH, GBH, affray and public order allegations.

Evidence can be extensive, including CCTV, body-worn footage, witness accounts and digital material.

Outcomes can be serious, and convictions can affect employment, travel and reputation.

Sexual Offences and Spiking Allegations

The festive season can also bring a rise in reports of sexual offences, including sexual assault, rape and drink spiking allegations.

These investigations are often complex and sensitive.

Allegations involving intoxication, nightlife venues, or limited witness evidence can be particularly challenging.

It is vital to understand that an arrest does not mean a person will be charged – but the consequences of an allegation alone can be life-changing.

Anyone under investigation should seek specialist legal representation at the earliest opportunity before providing an account to police.

Why Christmas Arrests Catch People Off Guard

Many festive-period arrests involve people who:

• Have no previous criminal history
• Acted impulsively under stress, alcohol, or peer pressure
• Misjudged the seriousness of the situation
• Did not realise enforcement is heightened in December

Unfortunately, “it’s Christmas” is not a defence.

Courts and prosecutors still treat these offences seriously – and where public safety is at stake, sentencing can be robust – and the impact long-lasting.

Be Mindful This Christmas.

Christmas and New Year policing is often more visible, more proactive, and more targeted. If you are arrested or told you are under investigation, the steps you take early on can make a significant difference to how a case unfolds.

If you need advice, as always, it is usually best to get representation before interview, and to avoid making assumptions about what police “already know” or what will happen next.

Early legal support can help protect your rights, guide you through the process, and ensure your position is properly presented from the start.

How We Can Help.

We are an award-winning team of experts in providing legal representation in criminal offences. sexually-related offences or motoring offences, it is imperative you seek legal representation at the earliest opportunity. Call uburglas now on 0161 477 1121 or email us.