When out at night, drinking more can leave you unaware of your surroundings and more vulnerable to assault – physical or sexual.

Police are urging those planning nights out to consider their personal safety.

Top Tips

• Arrange to go out and return in a group or ask a relative/friend to pick you up at the end of the evening, book a taxi or if you have to walk home, ensure you select a busy and well-lit route
• Do not flash your mobile or iPod or other expensive electronic gadgets
• Consider purchasing a personal attack alarm
• Always try to keep your drink in sight when at a pub, club or party to avoid it being tampered with or spiked
• Always pay attention and be aware of your surroundings (avoid drunken groups)
• Try to avoid drawing large sums of money from "hole in the wall" cash machines. You do not know who may be watching
• Monitor your drinking. Excessive alcohol can result in drink driving, has been associated with anti social and nuisance behaviour. Heavy drinking can also lead to domestic incidents, violent and sexually-related incidents

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