While Istanbul welcomed 2012 with spectacular New Year Eve celebrations.
Undercover police officers dressed like Santa Claus 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.
