As we head into the full swing of the festive season the emergency services are once again gearing up for a busy time. Whether dealing with a rise in shoplifting, thefts, frauds and other crimes, or dealing with the consequences of consuming excessive alcohol over the party season, police, ambulance, and the accident and emergency units will be at the ready for whatever comes along.
The message this year, as in past years, is simple – This Christmas Keep Safe. The emergency services want people to have a good time, but remind them that shockingly, the number of people passing through either the cells in police stations, or the doors of the accident and emergency units rise at this time of year – and by far the majority of the incidents dealt with are as a direct result of taking too much alcohol.
So when we ask you to Keep Safe This Christmas we really mean it. People need to understand that there are dangers associated with this time of year, and many can be avoided by careful consideration of a few simple points, the biggest being careful consideration of what you drink. Remember to book that taxi to get you home after a night out, and not leave it to chance. Make sure the taxi you take is licensed. It’s easy to tell a licensed taxi or private hire vehicle as it will be displaying a licence plate, and the driver will have an identity card. Ask to see this card if you are unsure.
At this time of year the temperatures are low and again the cold weather and alcohol are not a good mix. Take, and keep safe your mobile phone and ensure it has plenty of charge. Are you prepared for the cold weather and the drop in temperature that can occur from the time you leave the house to go out in the evening until you get home in the ‘wee small hours’?
Some other simple tips include:-
• Plan your Christmas night out – charge your mobile, remember to take it with you and think about how you’ll get home.
• Don’t leave drinks unattended, be sensible about what you drink and pace yourself. A drunk person is a far more vulnerable target for a criminal.
• Don’t use drugs or New Psychoactive Substances, sometimes misleadingly called ‘legal highs’. Legal doesn’t mean safe – they can contain toxic and harmful chemicals. Why risk your life?
• Stick with friends – don’t leave nights out on your own or with strangers.
• Stay safe on your journey home – never take isolated short cuts. Keep to busy areas, and on public transport sit where there are lots of people. If you’re using a taxi, make sure it’s licensed.
Police Scotland will be out in force across our towns and villages in Dumfries and Galloway to help keep people safe at this busy time. We will be working with partners to ensure that those who want to have a good time can do so without their evening being spoiled by the few who would want to do so. Antisocial behaviour will be dealt with firmly and we will be working with our partners in the licensed trade to ensure that those who are out taking drink are doing so in a responsible manner, and are aware what the consequences might be when too much is taken.
Police Scotland Operational Commander for Dumfries and Galloway, Mike Leslie says, “Police Scotland are not out to spoil the festive period. But, we do want people to understand that they need to consider the consequences of their actions when they take too much drink. Having a good time should not impact on those who just want to have a peaceful festive season. They have a right to have a quality of life as well, and we will be out in numbers, in all areas of the division, to make sure they do. This year, let the last Friday before Christmas, traditionally when people break up for the holidays, be remembered as Festive Friday, and not Black Eye Friday, as people go out to celebrate at office and works parties.”
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