Plan to Stay in Control
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Safe Newcastle partners are urging people in Newcastle, who are celebrating Christmas in the city centre, to stay in control as part of a personal safety campaign.
Partygoers are expected to flock to the city on nights out with work colleagues and friends during the rest of this month as part of the festivities.
Revellers are being asked to drink sensibly to reduce their risk of becoming either a victim or an offender of crime. Police officers will be out and about talking to revellers in the city centre to reinforce the safety messages.
The ‘Planning a night out? Plan to stay in control’ campaign aims to reduce offences which are influenced by alcohol. Almost half of all violent crime across the Northumbria Police force area recorded from April to October this year was alcohol-related. <awaiting city centre related figure from Police to replace this sentence>
Acting Neighbourhood Inspector Dave Balmer said: "Newcastle remains one of the safest cities in the country for people to come and enjoy a night out – with a vast array of bars and restaurants as well as other entertainment such as the theatre – and it’s a popular place to celebrate Christmas.
"We want people to enjoy the festivities and have a good time and at this time of year people are in good spirits. But there are some people who have too much to drink and we know that alcohol is a key factor in disorder and violent assaults.
"Situations can quickly escalate when people have had too much to drink and they risk either getting themselves into trouble by causing disorder or fighting, or they make themselves vulnerable to being the victim of a crime.
"This campaign is aimed at making sure people enjoy themselves without going too far and ruining their night out for themselves and for others."
The campaign messages can be seen around the city centre at transport links and busy areas of the city centre.
The campaign urges people to think about the following:
Recognise the signs that it’s time to slow down – for you or your friends.
Remember – when you’re drunk an argument can quickly turn into a fight.
This could result in a criminal record or even seriously hurting somebody.
Have fun and don’t let being drunk ruin your night.
Cllr Anita Lower, Chair of Safe Newcastle and Deputy Leader of Newcastle City Council, said, “Newcastle has a great reputation for nightlife, but like most cities of this size and popularity, care should always be taken to ensure that you and others can enjoy the festive party season. Responsible drinkers are able to recognise the signs of when it is time to slow down and when a situation is escalating. Remember the advice: plan your night and plan to stay in control to have a great night out”
