Many people will be letting their hair down over the Christmas and New Year period – but the Gwynedd Community Safety Partnership is warning people not to let their guard down too.
Sadly, this is one of the most common times of the year to suffer an accident or become a victim of crime as people go out to enjoy the festivities and many people drinking more than they’re used to.
The partnership is urging the people of Gwynedd to take simple steps to ensure they, and their friends, stay safe and don’t leave themselves vulnerable to becoming a victim of crime.
Catherine Roberts, Gwynedd Council’s Senior Community Safety Officer, said: “A lot of people will enjoy a drink at some of Gwynedd’s many pubs, bars and restaurants over Christmas and the New Year. Having a drink with family, friends and colleagues comes with responsibility to look after yourself and others, and to know your limits.
“The recommended safe drinking limit for women is 14 units of alcohol a week and 21 units for men. One unit of alcohol is equivalent to 25ml of spirits; one glass of wine is a little more than one unit and a 330ml bottle of six per cent beer or lager is two units. However, drinking more than six units in one go is classed as binge drinking and is harmful to your health.
“Our advice to people to stay safe over the holiday season is not to place yourself in a risky situation and not to do things you wouldn’t normally do.
“Research shows that unfortunately people who have been drinking are more at risk of being the victim, and the perpetrator, of attacks and sexual assaults. I would urge people to drink safe and stay safe. Relaxing and enjoying the festivities does not mean having too much to drink.
Some pointers for staying safe during the celebrations:
- Never accept drinks from a stranger
- Don’t leave your drinks unattended
- Make sure you and your friends have made arrangements on how to go home
- Always use a pre-booked taxi from a reputable firm, don’t accept a lift from a stranger
- Avoid walking home alone
- Avoid confrontation – walk away from trouble
- Pace your drinks – drink water or soft drinks during the evening and don’t drink on an empty stomach
- Don’t mix drink and drugs
The Gwynedd Community Safety Partnerships is made up of statutory and non-statutory members including Gwynedd Council, North Wales Police, Fire and Rescue Service, The Local Health Board, the Police Authority as well as voluntary and community organisations. The Partnership’s aim is to tackle crime and disorder and improve the lives of the people of Gwynedd.
