Have Fun and Stay Safe this Christmas

Many people will be out and about over the next few weeks enjoying Christmas and New Year parties with their friends and family.

Newcastle City Council and Northumbria Police are encouraging partygoers to follow some simple steps to make sure they stay safe during their night out:

• Before going out, tell someone where you're going and what time you expect to be home. 
• Keep a small amount of money in your clothing in case you lose your purse or wallet and need to contact someone or get yourself home.
• Make sure your phone is charged before you go out.
• Keep your valuables out of sight of others at all times if possible and don’t lend your phone to someone you don’t know. 
• When you’re out, stay with your friends and look out for each other.
• Drink responsibly and never leave your drinks unattended.
• Don’t accept a drink from someone you don’t know.
• Make sure you plan your journey home in advance.
• Avoid walking alone at night and make sure someone knows where you are at all times.
• If you notice anything suspicious or spot someone in distress, make sure you report it to the police or tell a member of staff in the pub or club.

When it’s time to go home, people should make sure they only get into a licensed taxi or plan ahead if they are using public transport.

Only Council licensed hackney carriages, commonly referred to as black cabs, can pick up passengers without prebooking.

The vehicles must display a taxi sign on the roof, have a Council crest on the front passenger door and a red plate at the rear.

All private hire vehicles must be booked through a licensed company by telephone or on an app and they cannot be hailed down in the street.

The operator will confirm the booking and give details of the car and the driver.

The car should display the name of the company on the rear doors, as well as the licence number in the window and a green plate at the rear of the vehicle. 

Cllr Paula Maines, Cabinet member for a Resilient City at Newcastle City Council, said: “We want everyone to be safe and have a fantastic time when they are out celebrating with friends and family this Christmas.

“During the festive season we will continue working closely with partners to engage with people, support anyone who may need assistance and be on hand to respond quickly and effectively to incidents when we are required to.

“It’s important people work with us by making sure they look after themselves, stay with their friends and ensure they know how they are going to get home.

“If you are having a night out this Christmas, please take care of each other and have a fun and safe time.”

Inspector Karen Madge, of Northumbria Police, said: “Newcastle is renowned as a vibrant and welcoming place and we want everyone to feel safe when enjoying a night out in the city.

“In the run-up to Christmas, as well as at all times of the year, we have dedicated officers carrying out patrols, engaging with the public and also identifying anyone who might be in need of assistance.

“We are extensively supported in this work by all of our partners in the city’s night-time economy and this includes venue door staff and licensing teams from the Local Authority.

“If you are planning on having a night out in Newcastle this Christmas, please have an enjoyable time. If you do need the police, please do not hesitate to approach one of our officers. We’re here to help.” 

If you see anything suspicious in the city, please report it to police by calling 101 or by using the report tool on the Northumbria Police website. 

In an emergency, or if a crime is taking place, always dial 999.