Northants Police

Don’t miss out on the season to be jolly!

It is the season to be jolly – but who will be laughing at the end of the night?

This is the question Police and partners are asking those who drink to excess and commit crime or become anti-social as we head towards Christmas.

Police are working with other emergency services, local authorities and the drinks trade in ‘Operation Nightsafe’ to ensure that everyone enjoying a night out in our town centres has a safe and enjoyable time over Christmas and the New Year.

Essentially, the operation is about creating safe environments in which people can socialise, making people safe and reducing the risk of harm. 

So, in order to keep you feeling safe and secure when you go out for dinner or join friends for a Christmas drink, we will be using the following tactics to make sure you don’t become a victim:

• Section 27 – the power to move people out of an area (e.g. town centre) for the evening to prevent or break up trouble
• Pol/Amb – a joint ambulance and police vehicle which can quickly reach those who have injured themselves or are unwell due to alcohol
• Nightsafe patrols in town centres in addition to Safer Community Teams (SCTs) and the 999 response teams
• Street wardens (funded by the council) who identify vulnerable people such as those who have drunk to excess to provide support, advice and a nudge to go home
• High numbers of Special Constables supporting Nightsafe patrols in the early evening, looking to identify potential trouble such as early drinkers or known offenders

We do ask you to stay with your friends on a night out, make sure you have planned your way home, do NOT drink and drive – don’t make yourself vulnerable.

Enjoy the build up to Christmas – carefully!