Enjoy a safe and trouble-free festive season

That’s the message from the Community Safety Partnership (CSP) as its launches its trouble-busting initiative Operation Christmas Presence.

The annual campaign, which has proved hugely successful since it started in 2008, aims to ensure the festive season remains a safe one for all concerned.

This year, revellers are being reminded that any anti-social behaviour in Market Harborough and Lutterworth pubs will not be tolerated and may result in a lengthy Pubwatch ban. Pubs will have free supplies of ‘Spikees’ to stop drinks being spiked and will work with the police to clamp down on any drug use including “legal highs”.

Cllr Rosita Page chair of the CSP, said: “The festive season has always been a time for enjoying yourself and meeting up with friends and relatives. No-one wants to see a great night out end poorly. We want you to be safe and urge you to drink responsibly.  Previous campaigns have seen the great majority of people behave well, and Harborough District has a consistently low crime rate and we want to see this trend continue.”

This year, the partners involved in the campaign include Fire Service, Police, Street Pastors and Pubwatch.

There will be a Community Safety stall at Harborough Market Hall on Tuesday 8th, 15th and 22nd December manned by the police and fire service with safety advice and giveaways such as purse chains.

Sgt Phil Durrant of Harborough Police Station said: “We’re pleased to be working with the CSP once more this Christmas to help ensure that everyone enjoys the festivities in a safe and considerate fashion. My officers and PCSO’s will be on patrol and will deal with any incidents which may arise. Those who choose to break the law or act in an anti-social manner can expect to be dealt with swiftly and robustly. Last year was a great success and I’m certain that this year will be too.”

Tips on staying safe this Christmas include:

• Plan your journey home before leaving for the night
• Book taxis in advance, or agree a designated driver
• Drink soft drinks in between alcoholic drinks
• Try to avoid rounds, or keeping up with friends who drink more
• Don’t accept drinks from strangers
• Use a Spikey if drinking out of a bottle
• Walk home with friends, not alone
• Don’t leave valuables on display in your car
• Remember the Fatal 4: not wearing a seat-belt, drink driving, using a mobile phone whilst driving, excessive speed
• Many fires in the home start at night. Make sure you have an escape plan, a night-time fire safety routine and working smoke alarms to help keep you and your family safe.
• Keep candles/tea lights away from curtains, furniture and anything else that can catch fire. Keep loose clothing and hair away from candles/tea lights when they are lit.

If you would like a free Home Fire Safety check that includes fitting of smoke alarms  then contact the Fire Service on 0116 2872241.

For more information about Operation Christmas Presence email communitysafety@harborough.gov.uk

More tips on safer drinking can be found on the Drink Aware web-site http://www.drinkaware.co.uk/

You can also follow us on Twitter @HarbCSP