Stay Safe and be responsible this Christmas

Avon and Somerset Police are running a Christmas campaign throughout December to raise awareness of seasonal issues.

At this time of year when people are more likely to have expensive gift items in their cars and homes police are aiming to increase awareness of prevention measures to help people protect their possessions. They are also reminding party-goers to behave responsibly on nights out socialising in the run up to Christmas to help tackle issues like drink driving and drink-related violence.

The campaign, called Have the Christmas you Deserve, is also about highlighting personal safety messages to help people stay safe when they are out and about at this time of year.

Officers across the force will be carrying out a range of activities over the next month, including additional high-visibility patrols in town and city centres, patrols to identify vulnerable homes or vehicles, and vehicle stop checks.

The police are also taking this opportunity to reach out to anyone who may be suffering domestic abuse or other forms of abuse at this time of year to encourage them to come forward and report it.

Assistant Chief Constable John Long said: "The aim of the campaign is to help enable the communities of Avon and Somerset to have the trouble-free Christmas they deserve while emphasising our intention to arrest those people committing offences and bring them to justice so that they can also have the Christmas they deserve.

"We have already been busy carrying out vehicle stop checks as part of our Operation Tonic drink-drive campaign and this will continue throughout the month alongside a number of other activities and operations.

"One of the key messages we want to stress as people get underway with their Christmas shopping is to make sure you protect your possessions from theft.

"We want to remind people to ensure anything left in the car is out of sight and the vehicle is locked and that at home unattended doors and windows are kept locked and valuable items are kept out of sight.

"We would encourage people to check out our website for advice and information and also to tell us if they see anyone behaving suspiciously in their area. We hope the residents of Avon and Somerset have the safe and enjoyable Christmas they deserve."

Don't forget if you are planning a night out in Thornbury then remember to stay safe, you can find details of all the local taxi companies in our business directory HERE.

The Government has also announced a joint deal with drinks giant Coca Cola that will see a number of soft drink offers in more than 8,000 pubs and clubs across the country. The joint deal announced by Roads Minister Mike Penning  is hoped that the free drinks offer will help to reduce the number of over-the-limit motorists this Christmas.

A list of local pubs that are taking part in the soft drinks campaign will be added  once details become available. 

Photo By Bernt Rostad