Christmas Safety Tips

Safer Streets Tips at Christmas

Christmas is a time to relax and have fun – but it’s also important to stay safe. By planning ahead and following a few sensible safety tips, you can enjoy your night out without putting yourself at risk of becoming a victim of crime.

Plan How You’re Getting Home

• Make sure someone knows where you're going and what time you will be back.
• Make sure you keep enough cash for your journey home
• Find out when the last train or bus is, book a taxi or arrange a lift before you go out. If you don’t know when you’re going home, plan to wait at a taxi rank manned by taxi marshals
• If you pre-order a taxi, check it’s an official car from the company you booked with – don’t accept lifts from cruising cabs or unmarked cars
• Arrange to text friends so you can let each other know you got home safely

Remember Safety in Numbers

• Stick with your friends – even if it means things take longer
• Look out for your friends and make sure they look out for you
• If possible, travel home with a friend

Drink Sensibly

• Don't drink too much. Alcohol dulls your instincts and awareness of danger, making you more vulnerable
• Don’t accept a drink from someone you don’t know
• Don’t leave your drink unattended
• If the alcohol is going to your head, drink water
• If you feel excessively drunk after a small amount of alcohol, seek help from a trusted friend of member of pub or club management. Get to a place of safety as soon as possible
• Be aware how you come across when you've been drinking. Ask your mates. Sometimes people can inadvertently attract trouble by the way they behave when they are drunk.
• If you have a friend whose behaviour or attitude (drunk or sober) attracts trouble, pick a good time and have a word with them. Make it clear that you are not going to be dragged into violence because of their stupidity.
• Don't drink and drive. Many people are still over the limit the following morning, so take this into account the night before.

General Safety

• Avoid trouble and confrontational situations. If there is trouble, walk away
• Look after your possessions – watch out for pickpockets and thieves
• Think about your personal safety and don’t take any unnecessary risks
• Don’t take short cuts through alleys, parks or across waste ground or even through quiet city streets
• Keep to well lit busy walkways where places are still open. Make sure you are facing the traffic as you walk
• Check your mobile is charged and has credit. Store it somewhere secure and keep checking you have it