Don’t let one reckless move ruin a night out this Christmas

A punch thrown, a drink spiked, one reckless move and a good night becomes a crime scene and suddenly the party is over. Is that how you want your night out to be remembered?

That’s the message from West Mercia Police as we prepare for an increased number of people visiting our towns and cities across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire for a night out this month.

Supported by a series of hard-hitting radio adverts, the force is campaigning to keep everyone safe this Christmas and New Year including those out and about for the party season.

This December, you can expect to see highly visible police patrols to help protect and reassure you as you enjoy a night out. But even if you can't see them, there will be teams keeping an eye out, including plain clothes officers and CCTV operators, all working closely together to keep everyone safe.

Our plain clothes police officers, who are specially trained in behavioural detection, will be visiting pubs and clubs to identify individuals who may be displaying concerning behaviour. If they spot anyone, they will call on uniform colleagues to intervene to help prevent any criminal offences taking place.

We will be looking out for the minority of people who ruin a night out for everyone else by causing trouble or committing acts of violence and criminality.

Please don’t let a single punch ruin lives this Christmas - know your limits and stay safe.

We will also be focusing on our Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) campaign as we continue to tackle drink-spiking and target those individuals exhibiting predatory behaviour.

This work over the festive period continues to deliver on the priorities set out by the Police and Crime Commissioner in his Safer Communities Plan by ensuring you receive a visible and accessible service, that is focused on keeping you safe and feeling safe.

Chief Superintendent Edd Williams said: “This Christmas and New Year we want everyone to remember their night out for all the right reasons.

“That’s why you can expect to see extra police officers patrolling towns and cities as people enjoy a festive night out.

“Even if you can’t see them, our officers will be there, keeping an eye out and helping keep the public safe.

“But everyone can play their part by knowing their limits of alcohol, watching out for their mates and calling out any potentially criminal or predatory behaviour.

“This year, don’t let a single reckless move be the reason Christmas ends in regret - know your limits and stay safe.”