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The public are being asked this year to help make Christmas and the New Year holiday period a safe time for everyone.
Extra police patrols to deter and detect crime and motoring offences.will be deployed across areas of Newry and Mourne as Christmas and the New Year approaches.
Newry and Mourne Area Commander, Chief Inspector Davy Beck stated “These patrols are part of Operation Season’s Greetings which, as well as concentrating on high visibility patrolling at key times during the day and at night, also includes drink-driving and road safety operations, and anti-burglary operations. Local police will also be supporting the ‘Get Home Safe’ campaign and domestic abuse awareness campaigns. These initiatives will take place throughout Northern Ireland in the coming weeks.
“The patrols will involve personnel from Response sectors, Neighbourhood Police Teams, Tactical Support Groups, Crime Teams and road policing units.
“We have consistently been pushing our road safety messages and reminding motorists that they should slow down, wear a seat belt and never drive under the influence of drink or drugs.
“Specific operations to detect drunken drivers will be mounted, and these will aim to identify the so-called ‘morning after’ drivers, as well as those driving home from licensed premises at night.
“Dedicated town centre foot patrols will be in place in towns and villages and officers will be visiting major retailers to offer crime prevention advice.
“We are also urging people to take personal responsibility for their own actions and behaviour over Christmas and the New Year. That is the best way to avoid becoming involved in trouble, or earning a criminal record.”
Christmas is not a time of rest for criminals. Inspector Beck added “They will be out there looking to gain an advantage at the expense of honest people and it’s as important to think of crime prevention after Christmas as before it."
“And as always, local people can help by looking out for criminal activity and reporting their suspicions to police immediately.”
Police can be contacted the non-emergency number, 0845 600 8000. In an emergency, dial 999. Information about crime can also be given to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Keep Safe and Take a Taxi
Local people will have plans in hand for Christmas and New Year celebrations and police in Newry and Mourne want to ensure that everyone is able to enjoy safe and crime-free nights.
It can be easy to get caught up in the party atmosphere, especially where alcohol is involved, however it is up to individuals to be conscious of how much they are drinking.
Those who intend to head out for the night should make sure they have prearranged a lift home with a licensed taxi service, or appoint a designated non-drinking driver.
The “never, ever drink and drive” message is one that has been used widely in the past and it still one that is worth listening to.
Over the festive period, police patrols will be out to detect those who have not listened to the message. All police officers, not just traffic officers, carry equipment to measure alcohol levels.
Drivers involved in any traffic collision will also be breathalysed, regardless of who is at fault.
A drink-drive conviction will lead to a fine, driving ban and perhaps the loss of a job.
Making plans to get home safely is as important as preparing for the night out itself.
Newry and Mourne Area Commander, Chief Inspector Davy Beck said: “Don’t get caught out by failing to make plans. Don’t take the car and then suddenly decide you are not fit to drive so it will be OK to sleep it off in the car. It won’t be, and you could be facing a drunk-in-charge prosecution.
“Newry has a large number of licensed taxi drivers who will be able to smooth your journey home. You might also want to think about hiring one for the journey to work the morning after a night out.”
