Santa cops hunt molesters on New Year's Eve

Hurriyet.com.tr

Undercover police officers searched people they deemed suspicious. DHA photo

Undercover police officers dressed in Santa Claus costumes and disguised as peddlers patrolled Istanbul’s streets on New Year's Eve on the lookout for crime. 

A total of 2,500 police officers, including 600 undercover policemen, were reportedly present at popular Istanbul spots such as Taksim Square during New Year's celebrations.  

Police officers dressed up as Santa Claus, food and lottery ticket salesmen were reportedly among the crowds of people gathered on the streets for celebrations. 

Twenty-two people were also detained for sexually harassing women on Dec. 31 while two pickpockets and a mugger were also apprehended, reports said. 

New Year's celebrations at Taksim square have been notorious for crowds of men sexually harassing women and tourists who come to the popular destination.