Staying safe this Christmas

Katy Glenville of Hull Citysafe chats to a Hull bar worker.

Hull city centre is now a safer place for a night out – but the campaign against violent crime continues.

Alcohol-related violence has fallen in Hull city centre since last year.
The number of incidents of violent crime, which emergency services are called to in the new-town area, has fallen from around 30 per weekend last December to an average of just eight at present.
And much of that progress has been down to the work of Hull Citysafe – a multi-agency unit which includes council and police officers.
Last Christmas, for example, as part of its Red Card Campaign, Citysafe workers patrolled the streets late at night giving out safety advice to pub and nightclub goers.

New campaign

This year, Citysafe is again working hard to ensure that drink-related crime will fall even further.
It’s adopted the “Best Bar None” campaign, which aims to drive up safety standards in pubs, clubs and bars.
The campaign, seeks to make sure that bar staff are trained and know what to do, for example, if they witness abusive and aggressive behaviour in their premises or if they catch people drug dealing.
The campaign also sets standards on not serving people who already appear drunk or those who are under age.
“We’ve had dozens of premises signing up to the campaign, and all the licensees taking part have been brilliant - really cooperative and professional,” says Katy Glenville, alcohol and violence reduction manager at Citysafe.
“The campaign sends out a message this Christmas that our city is safe.
“But at the end of the day it’s also down to drinkers themselves to know their limits.
“People have a responsibility not to drink to dangerous excess. Drinking socially and moderately will go a long way to ensuring their safety.”

Ask an ambassador

In addition to the campaign, night-time ambassadors will patrol the streets offering advice to revellers, such as finding taxi ranks and night buses for their journeys home. (Night buses will run until at least 2.30am, by the way).
The night-time ambassadors will also hand out free Drink Guard test kits, which are the size of a credit card, and can be used to check that drinks have not been spiked with alcohol or drugs.

Tough message

People who break the law on a night out will either be hit with a fixed-penalty notice of £80 or end up in the police cells.
“Enforcement is a big part of the package,” adds Katy.
”Our message is a zero-tolerance approach to drink-fuelled violence – because we want people to enjoy themselves, in a safe environment.”

Christmas top ten

Crime-prevention tips from Pc Rebecca Fox, of Hull Citysafe.

Tip 1 -
If you’re stuck for gift ideas this Christmas, then why not buy crimereduction equipment, such as an alarm, door-chain, or even a shredder (which can help prevent identity fraud by destroying letters and documents before they are thrown in the bin).

Tip 2 -
Never leave bags of Christmas shopping visible on car seats or on the parcel shelf of your vehicle. Always lock gifts and presents in the boot if you need to leave them in the car.

Tip 3 -
The same applies at home. If your Christmas tree and wrapped presents can be seen by passers-by glancing through your window from the street, it may be worth moving them to another room, where they cannot tempt burglars.

Tip 4 –
After presents are unwrapped, make sure gift boxes are not left outside your home. If a thief notices boxes for, say, a DVD player or a large-screen television, it is obvious what newly-bought electrical goods are inside the house.

Tip 5 –
Don’t fall prey to pickpockets around busy shopping centres. Keep wallets and purses out of their reach.

Tip 6 -
Vigilance pays. At cashpoints, always look out for who is around you. Often it is safer to draw money from a supermarket, high-street bank or shopping centre during the day, ready for your night out, rather than at cash machines on a dark street.

Tip 7 –
When going on a night out, if you want to get to and from the city centre in safety, always plan your journey in advance and travel with friends and companions whenever possible. A return bus ticket will be available this year which covers the journey home on the Night Bus service that will be running over Christmas and New Year.

Tip 8 -
Never flag down a moving taxi on a busy street, as drivers of unlicensed vehicles could stop and offer to take you home. These drivers may not be as nice as they seem. Always go to an official taxi rank and use a Hull City Council registered taxi. Whenever possible, share a taxi with a friend.

Tip 9 -
Be safe walking home. Women should always ensure they have at least one walking companion late at night, and make sure your phone is working and has credit. Letting a family member or friend know the route you are taking, and your expected time of arrival home, is also a good idea. Stick to routes you know and avoid unlit places, such as parks and alleyways.

Tip 10 -
In a crowded pub or bar, never leave your drink unattended, as this creates an opportunity for it to be spiked with alcohol or drugs. Also, keep your wallet, purse and mobile phone with you at all times, and not in a coat or bag hung over a chair, which could be within reach of a pickpocket.