Partygoers are being reminded of the need to ‘drink safe and be safe’ over the festive period, as officers begin preparations to help keep Caerphilly county borough residents safe this Christmas.
Gwent Police Officers will team up with Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Community Safety Wardens and CCTV Operators, as well as St John’s Ambulance and Blackwood’s team of dedicated Street Pastors to help ensure revellers out and about in Caerphilly county borough’s town centres this Christmas have a safe and enjoyable time.
Police Officers and Community Safety Wardens are increasing their patrols over the festive period, and will be reminding revellers visiting local pubs and clubs of the consequences of being caught acting anti-socially or taking part in criminal activity.
St John’s Ambulance will also be assisting on some of the busiest nights, by operating a mobile triage service.
This is the third year that the medical centre has been run to provide emergency treatment to local revellers, so that Accident and Emergency departments at hospitals receive fewer people at their busiest times.
The triage service will be available in Blackwood town centre on Friday 17th December, Saturday 18th December, Friday 24th December and Sunday 26th December.
CABSAFE – a Community Safety Partnership initiative designed to help people get home safe this Christmas, is also running again this year. Simply text CAB to the number 83222 to get the numbers of three licensed taxi companies closest to you. Texts will cost 50p plus your standard message rate.
Blackwood’s dedicated team of Street Pastors will also be present in the town centre, carrying out a pastoral role over the festive period, which will include helping to prevent people from becoming victims of crime and promoting personal and community safety. They will also assist in handing out bottles of water and safety advice to revellers.
Caerphilly Partnership Inspector Alan Webber said: “This one of the busiest times of year for the police, as well as other emergency services. We don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun, but we also don’t want revellers to become the victims of crime or indeed an offender, as a result of drinking too much alcohol. By working together with our partners we can provide a service that ensures town centres are safe environments for local people.”
Cllr Rob Gough, Cabinet Member for Public Protection, Engineering and Transport said: “I would encourage people out and about over the festive period to work with us to ensure that everyone remains safe.
“With a traditional increase in alcohol consumption over this period, tempers can occasionally flare, but by acting responsibly and sensibly you will be helping us and our partners to ensure that everyone has a safe, trouble-free and enjoyable time.”
