New safety campaign launch (From Wiltshire Times)

New safety campaign launch

11:27am Saturday 15th December 2007 in Trowbridge By Wiltshire Times Reporter

AS the shortest day approaches and the dark nights grow longer, Wiltshire Police are launching a campaign in and around Trowbridge to promote personal safety.

Trowbridge Sector Inspector Dave Cullop is the driving force behind the new campaign, in conjunction with the Trowbridge Community Area Future Partnership (TCAF).

Specially designed posters will be prominently displayed in and around public houses, clubs, restaurants and bars which encourage people to think about how they are getting home, before they embark on a night out.

He said: "I am determined to raise awareness among people of the importance of planning the journey home after nights out in and around the town centre.

"TCAF Community Safety Group wants people to visit and enjoy the developing nightlife in the county town. The regeneration programme will generate exciting new attractions for visitors from across the district and beyond."

He added: "For many years similar campaigns have been aimed at certain groups thought to be most at risk, for instance lone women.

"While we want everyone to take care, nationally, Home Office statistics show that young men are in the high risk group when it comes to falling victim of violent crime.

"My officers also increasingly have to deal with people who are discovered in the street incapable of getting themselves home due to over-indulgence.

"This often leads to ambulances being called to deal with them. The strain this places on both the Ambulance Service and Accident and Emergency Departments is unacceptable."

Ways that people can help to ensure a safe end to a good night out include the following:

• Travel home by licensed taxi or stay over with friends - your safety is worth more than the cab fare home.

• As often as possible, use a taxi company you know, or one recommended by family or friends.

• If you have booked a taxi over the phone, make sure the driver knows your name and destination, in order to ensure it's the correct taxi.

• Have your money and keys ready so that you can get into your home quickly at the end of your journey.

• If you feel uncomfortable in a taxi, ask the driver to stop in a busy familiar place and get out of the car.

• If you have to walk home stick to well lit paths and roads and do not walk alone. Remember safety in numbers.

• When you are out with friends do not leave your drinks unattended because they could be spiked.

If you take a bus home:

• Use a bus stop you know, or one that appears busy and well lit.

• If you're going to an unfamiliar place, have friends meet you at your destination.

• Sit close to the driver

If you go home by train

• Wait on a well lit section of platform, near other people.

• Sit in a busy compartment at the front of the train
• If you feel uncomfortable, consider getting out of your carriage and into another, or even getting off the train altogether