Police issue warning to New Year partygoers
Thursday, 31st December 2009.
Christmas might be over for this year but police in Suffolk are issuing a reminder to New Year party-goers to have a safe and enjoyable time tonight.
With freezing temperatures forecast in parts of the region police want to try to ensure all those celebrating have a good time – safely and
legally – while also aiming to target the minority intent on causing trouble.
They are also reminding anyone planning to go out to ensure they make arrangements to get home safely, as problems are more likely to occur
when people have too much alcohol, separate from their friends and go off alone.
Additional officers will be out on patrol across the county in a bid to tackle problems before they escalate and to try to make sure the
majority can enjoy a good night out.
Officers will be looking to target those drinking and driving and anyone whose unacceptable behaviour is a nuisance to others.
Inspector Chris Gilmore of Community Safety said; “While we want people to go out and enjoy themselves, we also want to remind them to be
responsible and to stay safe, and to think about the consequences if they don’t.
"Too much alcohol can sometimes lead to problems, such as anti-social behaviour and disorder and if people commit a crime or act
anti-socially they could end up being arrested for something that is so easily avoidable.
“Consuming too much alcohol can also make you more vulnerable. If you are planning a night out please think about your safety – try to stay
with your friends and make arrangements to get home. This could be by appointing a designated driver, booking a taxi or using public transport.
“Above all keep yourself safe. Be aware of your personal belongings, your drinks, your journey home and your personal safety.”
General safety advice includes: Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back; try to stick to busy well-lit
streets and avoid deserted parks and dark alleys - even if it means taking the longer way home; think about what you would do if you felt
threatened - the best idea is to head for a public place where you know there will be other people, for example a pub or garage.
Officers are also asking landowners and the occupiers of isolated farm buildings and commercial premises to check the security of their premises, as New Year can be a key time for illegal raves.
Preparations are often made in advance of such events with sound systems and similar equipment being moved in at an early stage.
Missing padlocks, the presence of equipment such as generators and any signs that the premises
have been cleared of obstructions may be key to preventing one of these illegal and potentially dangerous events occurring on your property.
Norfolk and Suffolk Police are working together to take action against those planning this type of event and are warning that they will
prosecute those involved.
Officers are asking anyone who becomes aware of large groups of vehicles gathering or driving in convoy or any other suspicious activity that could be related to a potential rave to call
police immediately.
With freezing temperatures forecast in parts of the region police want to try to ensure all those celebrating have a good time – safely and
legally – while also aiming to target the minority intent on causing trouble.
They are also reminding anyone planning to go out to ensure they make arrangements to get home safely, as problems are more likely to occur
when people have too much alcohol, separate from their friends and go off alone.
Additional officers will be out on patrol across the county in a bid to tackle problems before they escalate and to try to make sure the
majority can enjoy a good night out.
Officers will be looking to target those drinking and driving and anyone whose unacceptable behaviour is a nuisance to others.
Inspector Chris Gilmore of Community Safety said; “While we want people to go out and enjoy themselves, we also want to remind them to be
responsible and to stay safe, and to think about the consequences if they don’t.
"Too much alcohol can sometimes lead to problems, such as anti-social behaviour and disorder and if people commit a crime or act
anti-socially they could end up being arrested for something that is so easily avoidable.
“Consuming too much alcohol can also make you more vulnerable. If you are planning a night out please think about your safety – try to stay
with your friends and make arrangements to get home. This could be by appointing a designated driver, booking a taxi or using public transport.
“Above all keep yourself safe. Be aware of your personal belongings, your drinks, your journey home and your personal safety.”
General safety advice includes: Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back; try to stick to busy well-lit
streets and avoid deserted parks and dark alleys - even if it means taking the longer way home; think about what you would do if you felt
threatened - the best idea is to head for a public place where you know there will be other people, for example a pub or garage.
Officers are also asking landowners and the occupiers of isolated farm buildings and commercial premises to check the security of their premises, as New Year can be a key time for illegal raves.
Preparations are often made in advance of such events with sound systems and similar equipment being moved in at an early stage.
Missing padlocks, the presence of equipment such as generators and any signs that the premises
have been cleared of obstructions may be key to preventing one of these illegal and potentially dangerous events occurring on your property.
Norfolk and Suffolk Police are working together to take action against those planning this type of event and are warning that they will
prosecute those involved.
Officers are asking anyone who becomes aware of large groups of vehicles gathering or driving in convoy or any other suspicious activity that could be related to a potential rave to call
police immediately.
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