Police safety jumper design

The festive season is fast approaching and as we gear up for the holiday merriment, Norfolk Constabulary is reminding people to keep safe and within the law.

From the beginning of December, police will be delivering a series of crime prevention messages and guidance via social media to encourage everyone to have a #SaferChristmas. Each will be designed on a jolly Christmas jumper, with contrasting images of unwanted behaviour to help demonstrate potential dangers.

Christmas is a time of celebration, to have fun and catch up with family and friends, but the highs can easily turn into lows if the party spirit gets out of hand. Unfortunately, for some, letting their hair down may lead to people losing their inhibitions and taking more risks leaving themselves vulnerable to becoming a victim or perpetrator of crime, including violence or sexual offences. For others, it may result in poor decisions, such as drink or drug driving, anti-social behaviour or even serious assault.

Supported by #ChristmasJumper, the aim of the campaign is to highlight tips on personal safety, including online protection, home security and urge people to think of the welfare of others, particularly those who are vulnerable. It also serves as an important warning for those committing offences that there can be severe consequences.

Chief Superintendent Dave Marshall said: “The aim of our Christmas campaign is not to try to spoil anyone’s fun but to encourage the public to be more aware of crime prevention by highlighting the types of incidents we typically deal at this time of year.

“Alcohol affects everybody differently; it can enhance emotions that lead to conflicts with loved ones and strangers, as well as lowering inhibitions which makes a person more vulnerable or susceptible to criminal activity. There are harsh realities to the consequences of excessive drinking and it is important that people know the risks that come with alcohol and the impact it can have on their safety.

“Unfortunately this time of year doesn’t fill everyone with the feelings of good will and we often see a spike in opportunistic theft crime. These can be prevented by taking extra care and attention when out shopping or by implementing simple safety precautions at home. Throughout our campaign will address these to ensure everyone has a safer Christmas”

Top tips for a safer Christmas:

• Pace your drinking and ensure you break up the alcohol with water.
• Keep an eye on your drinks and never leave them unattended. Even soft drinks could get spiked.
• Stick with friends, look out for one another and make sure you all get home safely. Arrange a meeting point and rendezvous times in case you get separated.
• Pre-book safe transport home and do not accept lifts from strangers. Save the number of a licensed taxi firm in your mobile phone. Always check the driver’s identification and never get into an unlicensed taxi.
• Avoid walking alone and never take short cuts through dark alleys or large open spaces.
• Keep some cash on you in case you lose your purse or wallet.
• Getting behind the wheel after drinking can have tragic consequences. The advice is simple, don’t drink and drive.
• Don’t let thieves steal your Christmas – keep vehicles and homes secure, and ensure valuables are out of sight.
• Keep your PIN number safe; do not disclose to anyone or carry with your card. If you see someone acting suspicious and hanging around an ATM, cancel the transaction and use another cashpoint.