Getting Jolly Without Any Folly

‘Tis the season to be jolly but Dyfed Powys Police is reminding party-goers not to let any folly ruin the festive fun.

This week Operation Safe and Nice to All (SANTA) is focussing its safety advice on ‘Partying’, as police gear up for the busy party season in the lead up to Christmas.

Included in the Partying safety package are reminders to party-goers to enjoy themselves safely and also to warn of the consequences of committing offences on a night out. There is advice on personal safety, responsible drinking, sexual assault and alcohol-fuelled violence.

In addition to the advice, frontline police are gearing up for busy nights during the party season. Expect to see an increased presence of officers on patrol in busy town centres at night. They will be linking in with door staff and licensees to ensure party-goers are being kept safe and that they work together to prevent incidents before they escalate.

Behave or be banned schemes are operating in some of the force’s busier towns. Anyone behaving anti-socially or criminally can expect to be shown the door early on.

Superintendent Chris Curtis, Head of Neighbourhood Development, said: “Police will be working hard during the Christmas period to keep our nightlife areas safe. However I urge anyone heading out for their Christmas party to take responsibility for their own actions and be prepared. It could make your night out one to remember for all the right reasons rather than a nightmare you’d rather forget.

“Think about planning your evening in advance: pre-book a reputable taxi; fully charge your mobile phone; make sure you have enough cash to get home; stay with your friends; don’t drink too much and never leave your drink unattended.”

As part of Operation SANTA’s Partying week, police are reminding potential victims and perpetrators of rape and sexual assaults to be safe, be careful and be mindful of the law.

Rape and sexual assaults are not commonplace in Dyfed Powys. However, they can occur and people should make sure they keep themselves and their friends safe when on a night out. The majority of rapes or sexual assaults are committed by someone a person knows, or someone that person has met on a night out. Alcohol can play a contributory factor as it affects people’s confidence and judgement.

Detective Inspector Estelle Hopkin-Davies said: “Alcohol can make people vulnerable or make people behave in ways they never normally would. We don’t want to dampen the Christmas spirit by talking about rape and sexual assault, but unfortunately evidence shows that Christmas is a time where we may see a rise in these types of crimes. Our advice is to drink in moderation, remain in control of your own behaviour and remember that no means no. If there is no consent, or the person is too drunk to give consent, it is rape.”

Operation SANTA top tips for a safe night out this Christmas:

• Plan your journey home – book a taxi in advance or have a lift arranged. Remember if you are too drunk a taxi driver could refuse to take you as a passenger

• Dress weather-appropriately – wear a coat and take an umbrella if it is raining

• Never walk bear foot – you risk injuring your feet. Carry flats in your handbag for when high heels become too uncomfortable

• Pace yourself – drink water between alcoholic drinks and don’t drink in rounds

• Be prepared – make sure your mobile phone is fully charged and you have spare cash to pay for your transport home

• Look after your friends – make sure you all stay together and arrange somewhere to meet if you do lose each other. If you do decide to go somewhere else, then make sure you tell someone. If a friend needs to go home early because they are too drunk, make sure you escort them to their taxi or lift.

• Walk away from aggression / violence –don’t risk injury or arrest

• Drink spiking – Never leave your drink unattended. If you believe your drink has been spiked contact the police immediately on 999

• Drink driving – the advice from police is simple – don’t drink and drive. Remember: you could still be over the limit the morning after a night out.

Next week’s Operation SANTA theme is ‘Caring’. This will include advice on how to look after your loved ones and neighbours at Christmas.

For more top crime prevention tips this Christmas visit their website www.dyfed-powys.police.uk or follow #OpSanta on twitter @DyfedPowys.