With ‘Festive Friday’ fast approaching, Cumbria Police are reminding members of the public to stay safe when out partying over the festive period.
Pubs and clubs in the town centres become busier over the Christmas period and with only a few days to go, officers will be out on patrol focusing on defusing incidents before they escalate into violence.
Extra officers will be out on patrol on key dates, including ‘Festive Friday’- the last Friday before Christmas, which has traditionally been a popular night out in towns across Cumbria, and can experience a corresponding rise in alcohol fuelled violence and disorder.
This year we are promoting our ‘One punch can change two lives’ campaign which reminds party-goers of the consequences of losing control through alcohol consumption. This is part of our on-going ‘Think before you drink’ force-wide campaign.
Officers will be working with licensed premises to try and prevent people who are already drunk being served further alcohol. Pubwatch will also continue to inform local licensees about those who have been banned, especially for violent disorder.
Chief Superintendent Steve Johnson said: “Our personal safety campaign was launched at the end of November to encourage everyone to enjoy themselves safely. This is even more important as the Christmas holidays approach, with more people being off work and spending more time socialising with friends and family.
“Our aim is to provide a safe environment for everyone to enjoy themselves over the Christmas period. It is only a minority who become involved in violence or disorder and by providing extra officers, we are able to monitor situations and intervene before they escalate.
“We will not tolerate people who put others at risk of harm by engaging in violent behaviour. Everyone in Cumbria has a right to socialise with friends and family without fear of intimidation or violence.
“At this time of year police officers do come into contact with people who normally don’t get into trouble. They may have over indulged and in a situation which has escalated quickly, before they know it are in trouble with the police.
“We want everyone to enjoy the festive season in a safe and responsible manner. Don’t end up with a Christmas of regret.
Cumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Richard Rhodes said: “It is important to enjoy Christmas responsibly whether it is the amount you drink to your own personal safety. This is a busy time of year for police officers, PCSOs and police staff and I am looking forward to going out on patrol on Friday.”
With the party season in full-flow Police are issuing this advice:
- Know your limits and always stay in control
- Avoid drinking in rounds, it’s easy to have too much when trying to keep up with others
- Recognise the signs that it’s time to slow down, consider alternating between alcoholic and soft drinks
- Stick with your friends and look out for each other
- Walk away from arguments and confrontation, a drunken argument or fight could end up someone getting seriously hurt and / or arrested. This could possibly cost you your career, your relationship and your freedom.
- If confrontation arises, be responsible seek out security staff or a Police Officer and make them aware of the issue
- Have fun and enjoy your night out
Posters displaying this advice are displayed in local shops and bars to prompt Christmas shoppers and revellers. Short adverts are being played throughout December on CFM.
In South Cumbria, all the Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPTs) will be deploying officers to known hotspots throughout the South Cumbria area so if situations arise, Police are nearby to deal with it.
Inspector Mike O’Hagan, Barrow NPT, said: “We want people to act in a responsible manner and enjoy the festivities.
“We will be working to prevent and detect all offences that are committed. I would like to think that the public will help us by encouraging their friends to behave sensibly and refrain from consuming too much alcoholic drink. Please do not spoil your own and other people’s Christmas.”
All three NPTs (Barrow, Kendal & Ulverston and Lakes) have been working with licensees in their areas throughout the year in a bid to decrease the amount of alcohol-related incidents that officers have to deal with and Christmas is no exception.
Police in South Cumbria will also be issuing out Section 27 banning orders to those who Police feel need to be taken away from the town centres.
Inspector O’Hagan added: “Early intervention remains the key, if we can prevent an incident from happening than less trouble and we feel we have to use Section 27 banning orders then that is what officers will do.”
Kendal NPT as a member of the Barwatch scheme will be issuing out Christmas card reminders to the worst offenders who are on Barwatch.
Inspector Paul Latham, Kendal NPT said: “The cards are there to remind those that are on Barwatch that they will be recognised by officers and security staff and will be refused entry. An attempt to gain entry to licensed premises on the Barwatch scheme can see their ban being extended.”
Anyone who is a victim of a crime or sees suspicious activity is asked to report this to Cumbria Police on 101.
People can also follow Cumbria Police on Facebook and Twitter (@CumbriaPolice) where up-to-date safety advice and information will be shared.
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