SAFER STREETS AT CHRISTMAS
Women can feel vulnerable when travelling late at night. There are some steps everyone can take to help women feel safe in the community when on a night out:
SAFETY IN NUMBERS
Always stay within a group when possible. By remaining close to the people you trust and know well, you can reduce the risk of being targeted by people who are up to no good and could be out to take advantage.
PLAN YOUR JOURNEY HOME
Always book a taxi or get a lift with someone you trust before your night out. If you are using a taxi, make sure it’s licensed.
Hackney carriage vehicles are the only type of taxi that you can hail on the street without pre-booking. Don’t be tempted to get into an unlicensed taxi for a quicker ride home!
DRINK IN MODERATION AND WATCH YOUR DRINK
Keep a close eye on your drinks and never leave them unattended at any point. Having your drink spiked – perhaps whilst you momentarily turn your back – will ruin your night and could harm you.
Always stay in control when drinking alcohol. Know your limits and never push them. A few more drinks may seem like fun at the time, but it is never a good idea. Our #dontbeadick campaign urges people to think about their behaviour and the possible consequences when out drinking.
STAY IN WELL-LIT AREAS
If you are walking home after a night out, always stay in well-lit areas where there are plenty of people. People are less likely to commit crime if there is good lighting, CCTV and people around to see what is happening. Always plan a route home and make sure you stick to places you know. Stay away from dark allies, unlit parks, and water such as the sea, lakes, marinas and rivers.
KEEP VALUABLES HIDDEN
People will often have valuables stolen on a night out and if you’re drunk, you are an easier target. Keep all your valuables like phones, wallets and purses out of sight by keeping them in zipped pockets or bags. Only take the essentials and leave valuables such as jewellery at home. If you need to take them out with you then keep them hidden away.
STAY AWAY FROM TROUBLE
Drink won’t turn you into a superhero on a night out! If you see a fight or an argument stay out of it and get help from the police or door security.
DRINK AND DRUG SPIKING GUIDANCE
The signs and symptoms of suspected drink and drug spiking, along with preventative measures.
What are the signs of drink spiking?
If you think you, or someone you are with, has had their drink spiked, there are a range of things to look out for, including:
- confusion
- nausea or vomiting
- hallucinations
- disorientation
- loss of ability to communicate properly
- paranoia
- poor coordination
- unconsciousness
How to prevent drink spiking
There are some steps you can take, that could help prevent you from being spiked.
- Never leave your drink unattended, take it whenever you go
- Be vigilant if you are bought or given a drink – don’t accept drinks off of strangers
- Where possible, drink from bottles as it is more difficult to insert drugs into bottles
- Be wary if people are reaching over your drinks
- Keep an eye on your friends
What happens once reported to the police?
We will take a non-invasive urine sample. Some drugs leave the body in less than 12 hours, so it is important to report and test as soon as possible. Other drugs remain in the body longer so testing can take place up to seven days after the incident.
It is not a crime to have illegal drugs in your system (unless you are driving), so please don’t let this stop you reporting. We know it can be scary to report, but we are here to help you. We will listen to you, and we will take you seriously.
Report Drink Spiking Here
Would you like to know more? Some Helpful links:
