Have a safe night out

Part of the campaign includes the distribution of informative postcards to off-licences and shoppers, offering information on drinking safety tips and advice on looking out for others including children and neighbours when at or hosting a party. Councillor Robert Smith, Chair of CCSP and DPP commented: “If you are planning on going out, there are a number of practical steps you can take to avoid putting yourself in a dangerous situation or to avoid becoming a victim of crime.” Tips on keeping yourself safe Plan your journey or night out and make sure someone knows where you are going and what time you will be home. Think ahead - don’t walk home alone at night. Arrange in advance to stay with a trusted friend. Pre-book a taxi or use the Get Home Safe Bus service. When going to a pub, club or party, avoid going alone. Friends can watch out for each other. Alcohol does affect your actions and reactions, as well as your ability to be alert. Take care. Stay aware of what is going on around you and away from situations you do not feel comfortable with. Never accept a drink from anyone you do not completely trust and do not share or exchange drinks. Don’t leave your drink unattended, even when going to the toilet. Consider very carefully whether you should leave the pub, club or party with someone you have just met. If you begin to feel really drunk after only a drink or two, seek help from a trusted friend, or a member of the club or pub management. It is important to get to a place of safety as soon as possible. Keeping personal property safe Be careful where you keep your possessions when you are in public places. By taking these simple precautions you can help to safeguard your property: Always keep your bag with you - don’t hang bags over the backs of chairs. Try to keep your keys separate from anything with your address on it. Don’t leave valuables in your jacket pockets or coat if you are likely to take it off. Carry your handbag over your shoulder with the flap against you. In winter you can carry it under your coat. Cash dispensers When taking money from cash dispensers, follow this advice: Make sure no one can see you entering your PIN number and be aware of anyone loitering nearby. When possible, avoid using dispensers late at night or at other times when the streets are quiet. If you are in doubt or at all suspicious, trust your instincts - don’t use the dispenser and call the police. If the cash dispenser looks as if it has been tampered with, do not use it and report it to the police. The CCSP funded Get Home Safe Bus Service, will also be in operation over the festive period; dates and times are detailed below: Boxing Day, Monday 26th December 2011, from 12am – 3am New Year’s Eve, Saturday 31st December 2011, from 12am-3am There will be no service on Christmas Eve Chief Inspector Anthony McNally said: “Christmas is a time to celebrate, but it is also a time of increased risks. Experience tells us that we become complacent with our security and that alcohol related incidents increase through irresponsible drinking over the Christmas period. A considerable amount of time and money has been expended by the Community Safety Partnership, DPP and local police to keep Craigavon safe. By following these few simple rules, our communities can also play their part in ensuring that we have a Christmas that is safe and enjoyable for all.” If you would like a copy of the postcard on drinking safety tips, please contact Lynette Burke on 028 3831 2529 or at lynette.burke@craigavon.gov.uk