SHOCK tactics were used to spread the anti drink-drive message on Saturday when the wreckage of a car in which a young lady died earlier this year went on display in the town centre.

The 28-year-old Bristol woman who had been driving it died in May in a crash on the M4. She was three times over the drink drive limit at the time.

Her car went on display outside Debenhams in the town centre on Saturday where police and other organisations were on hand to offer advice to passing shoppers on how to stay safe this Christmas.

Insp Mark Seller, crime and anti-social behaviour manager for Wiltshire Community Safety Partnership which organised the event, said: “We don’t want to put people in fear of crime or accidents, we just want to put out the message that a little bit of diligence can mean you have a decent Christmas and not a nightmare because of something that could have been easily avoided.”

As well as the police, there were members of Swindon and Wiltshire Alcohol and Drugs Advisory Service, the Samaritans, the Highways Agency, Street Pastors, as well as NHS Swindon, who were handing out advice on sexual awareness over the festive period.

Alcohol awareness was the main message of the day, but there were also tips on general safety such as making sure an In Case of Emergency (ICE) number was stored on your mobile phone.

Free purse chains and bells and handbag alarms were also being handed out by police, with advice on how to prevent yourself being victim to pickpockets or purse dippers.

Insp Sellers said: “Swindon is still one of the safest places to live in the country and that is mainly because people are very diligent, so we are just here to offer them a bit more information.”

Revd Paul Rush, who is the Swindon Street Pastors Coordinator, was out explaining the work they do looking after late night revellers in the town centre and Old Town at weekends.

He said: “The main message is, if you get into trouble ask for help. All of us, Street Pastors, police officers and even nightclub doormen, none of us want to see people vulnerable out on the streets.”