Party-goers urged to stay safe as festive celebrations crank up

Party-goers heading out this weekend are being urged to stay safe as the region gears up for festive celebrations.

There will be an increased police presence in towns across the area as many pubs and clubs will be busy from this weekend as people enjoy the Christmas festivities.

This often leads to people consuming more alcohol than normal and North Wales Police are urging potential offenders that violent and drunken behaviour will not be tolerated.

The message comes just weeks after police and partners launched their annual ‘Think Safe Drink Safe’ campaign – aimed at promoting safe and responsible drinking and preventing and reducing levels of alcohol fuelled violent crime and anti-social behaviour.

Superintendent Jane Banham, Head of Community Safety at North Wales Police said:

“We want people to enjoy themselves during the Christmas period, but an enjoyable night means a safe night – not one that ends up in hospital or in one of our cells.

“We make a significant contribution to keeping our town centres safe so people can enjoy a good night out, but we must get the message across that people need to take greater responsibility for themselves and their friends to reduce the likelihood of them being injured, becoming a victim of crime, or being involved in violence through excessive drinking.

“North Wales Police, working with our partners, will ensure that pubs, clubs, shops and drinkers are complying with the law. Those who don’t will be dealt with robustly.

“The message is simple – think safe, drink safe.”

Officers are also encourage revellers to plan their evenings and how they are going to get home safely. Since December 1st police have made 45 arrests for drink-driving and 24 arrests for drug driving.

Supt Banham added: “North Wales is a safe place to live, work and enjoy a night out, and we will be providing extra officers in each area of the county to monitor situations and to intervene when they escalate.”

All agencies will be using social media to help raise awareness of the campaign and social media users are encouraged to follow the hashtag #ThinkSafeDrinkSafe