CUMBRIA Police has urged Christmas revellers across the county to enjoy the festivities responsibly as it launches its annual campaign.

Works parties and seasonal nights out have kicked off and police want people to stay safe, look after each other, keep within their drinking limits and ‘remain in control’.

Officers will be giving out free safety products, including personal alarms, along with top tips to encourage partyers to make their safety a top priority.

More officers will be out on the streets in the run up to Christmas, particularly at weekends.

And the force will continue to promote its ‘Keys, Money, Phone, Plans to get home?’ campaign, which reminds people to think ahead and plan their journey home.

Assistant Chief Constable Jerry Graham said: “As the Christmas season approaches and people make plans for their parties, we want to help them to enjoy their night and get home safely.

“Thinking ahead, looking after each other and making plans to get home will help you to enjoy your Christmas celebrations.

“Make sure you have a registered taxi number on you, don’t be caught out and if you end up on your own, having that number will ensure that you get home safely.

“We want everyone to enjoy the festive season and it is a great time to get together but we remind people to drink within their limits and remain in control.

“It can be easy to get carried away with the atmosphere, but having that awareness will mean that your night is a good one.

“The consequences of drinking too much and becoming vulnerable or overstepping the mark can spoil your Christmas.

“As well as risking becoming a victim of crime, you could risk getting into trouble by a situation quickly escalating into violence or disorder.

“It’s not worth the risk. Enjoy drinks with friends but know your limits. Go too far and you can spoil your Christmas before it’s begun - you could see yourself banned from all Pubwatch bars and clubs or even under arrest.

“People’s safety is our upmost priority and we want everyone to enjoy themselves and have consideration for others.”

The campaign will encourage people planning a night out to follow this advice: • Think: Keys, money, phone, plans to get home?
• Stick with your friends and look out for each other
• Stash some cash in case you lose your purse or wallet
• Pre-book a taxi home
• Don't make yourself vulnerable by getting too drunk
• Store an ICE (in case of emergency) number in your phone

Throughout the county, extra police officers will be out on Friday and Saturday nights to make sure people are enjoying themselves responsibly and to assist quickly if any disorder does occur.

Police officers will be visiting local colleges to hand out personal safety advice and attack alarms in an aim to encourage the students to think about their own safety.

Posters displaying this advice will also be displayed in local shops and bars.