With office Christmas parties and general merriment overflowing at this time of the year,
Hampshire Constabulary and the Safer North Hampshire community safety team are reminding people to be prepared before a big festive night out, and to follow these safety tips:

• When on a night out, don’t leave a bag unattended – take it with you, and always use table or bar-hooks, if available.
• Never leave your drink unattended – whilst rare, it can only take a few seconds for someone to tamper with it. Use a bottle stop to prevent anyone putting something in your drink.
• Always plan your journey home and avoid walking alone. Save the number of a local licensed taxi firm in your mobile phone. If using a taxi, ensure it is registered and displaying taxi licence plates. If you are concerned that a taxi-driver is not genuine, do not get in the vehicle, and report it to the local authority licensing team.
• How much you drink on a night out can also affect your decision-making – never drink so much that you may endanger yourself.
• If you are driving to a party or event, don’t be tempted to drink. Some venues offer free soft drinks for designated drivers.
• If you have been out the night before, remember that you may still be over the alcohol limit to drive, depending how much alcohol you have drunk. If unsure whether it is safe to drive, make alternative arrangements.

Councillor Simon Bound, chairman of the Safer North Hampshire Partnership, said: “We want everyone to enjoy their Christmas festivities. We hope that people will enjoy themselves to the full but would ask that everyone gives a bit of thought to their journey home and their personal safety beforehand by following our safety tips.”