With the festive season now upon us and social calendars filling up, police are encouraging people to take simple steps to help keep them safe while out enjoying our county’s nightlife.

ACC Dave Stalker said: “Throughout the Christmas period and into the New Year, our officers will be targeting criminals and educating people on what they can do to keep themselves safe.

“We will be increasing our high-visibility uniformed street patrols in our main nightlife areas across the county, and we will also be actively engaging with licenced premises.

“We want everyone to have a good time and enjoy themselves, and the extra measures we are putting in place for the night-time economy will help keep people safe whilst also targeting anyone who is behaving inappropriately.”

Some simple measures to keep safe:

  • Plan your day or night out in advance – make sure you have your keys, your phone and funds and a plan to get home
  • Know your limits with alcohol and don’t drink excessively before you go out and in pubs and clubs
  • Do not take illegal drugs or new psychoactive substances
  • Watch your drinks and never accept a drink you haven’t seen prepared in front of you. If you think you have been spiked on a night out or attempted to be spiked, you can report this here: Report spiking | Cumbria Police
  • Never engage in violence and walk away from trouble -  one punch can kill. If a situation starts to escalate walk away, find a staff member for support, or contact the police.
  • If you are meeting someone for the first time, make sure it’s in a public place – be aware of your options if you are in an uncomfortable situation. Consider checking if a bar or pub has the ‘Ask for Angela’ scheme
  • Remember, no means no – not being able to give consent also means no
  • Look out for one another – arrange a meeting place at the end of the night if you become separated from friends. If you or your friends feel very drunk or unwell, especially after a small amount of alcohol, speak to a member of staff or an officer

Need to make a report?

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

You can find more personal safety advice here: Tips for making other people feel safer on the streets | Cumbria Police