Christmas partygoers urged to Think Safe Drink Safe

Date article online: 15/12/2006

Revellers are being urged to pace their drinks and stick with friends, as police officers prepare for the two busiest weekends of the year when Christmas parties get into full swing.

The message to "Think Safe Drink Safe’ is part of an ongoing campaign by Greater Manchester Police to raise awareness about responsible drinking, enabling members of the public to enjoy a safe night out without fear of falling victim to crime, including sexual assaults.

Last weekend, police attended a number of incidents where office parties had turned sour, leading to anti-social behaviour and assaults.  During one incident, a woman claimed she had been attacked by a former colleague who assaulted her during an argument after she turned up to the company’s Christmas party.  In a separate case, a report was made to police about a suspected sexual assault on a woman who was heavily intoxicated and unable to remember what she had done and where she had been during the evening.

Police are now asking people to stick with friends, take a taxi they can trust, pace their drinks and say no to trouble during a night out.  By taking on board these simple tips, partygoers should enjoy a safe and crime free Christmas.

Officers will also be patrolling hot spot locations and clamping down on licensed premises that serve underage drinkers and people who have had too much to drink.  On the spot fines of £80 will be issued for drunk and disorderly behaviour and urinating in the street.

Inspector Steve Greenacre said: "People heading into town and city centres across Greater Manchester over the Christmas period should be able to have fun and stay safe.  Alcohol plays a big part in cases of sexual assault, so don’t leave yourself vulnerable and remember to pace your drinks and never wander off alone.  By taking simple steps, such as looking out for your friends and walking away from trouble, you can ensure that this Christmas is one to remember rather than one you’d like to forget".

Starting this week, Greater Manchester Police will also air its first ever TV adverts for a crime prevention campaign.

The three 20-second ads have been created for the Force’s "Think Safe, Drink Safe’ campaign and will run until the end of the year. They focus on pacing drinks, staying with friends and on planning how to get home.