Enjoy a safe Christmas & New Year

Ipswich Borough Council, with the support of Suffolk Police, has launched a campaign highlighting the risks associated with excessive drinking. The "Stuffed" campaign encourages individuals to question their drinking behaviour and highlights the key message - actions have consequences.

The campaign cites the tragic story of Adam Rogers, a young football coach from Blackburn who died from a single punch during a night out in 2009. A 16-year-old was jailed for the attack.

Ipswich's Town Pastors and Taxi Marshalling will be in operation throughout the duration of the festive period and the "Ipswich SOS Bus" will be stationed at Cardinal Park to offer on-the-spot medical treatment and a safe haven for vulnerable people in need of help and advice. The NHS bus will be there between 8.30pm and 4am on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd December, Christmas Eve and 28th, 29th and 31st December.

These services will all be helped by the Borough Council's CCTV operators who work closely with the Police, door staff and Town Pastors to keep people safe.

Councillor Neil Macdonald, Deputy Leader of the Borough Council, said: "Ipswich has a vibrant nightlife and we are keen to ensure revellers who visit our many bars, clubs and pubs have a happy, safe and enjoyable night out."

For the majority of people the Christmas festive season is one of celebration and enjoyment. Follow these top tips to help prevent becoming the victim of crime.

Going out ...

Place valuables in a bag or front pocket you can secure, rather than leaving phones or wallets in your back pocket.

Cover your PIN number when using ATMs or paying in bars and clubs.

Thinking about your drinking ...

Do not leave drinks unattended in clubs and bars.

If you are drinking, try to alternate between soft and alcoholic drinks.

Choose long drinks rather than shorts; making a drink last is better for your health and better for your waistline!

Don't accept drinks from people you don't know well, if you do make sure you stand at the bar while the drink is being prepared.

Try to have at least two days a week when you don't drink.

Heading home ...

Think ahead and plan your journey, avoiding deserted areas.

Only use taxis/cabs that have been licensed and pre-booked.

Try to avoid walking alone at night and keep to well-lit main roads where possible. Try to avoid short cuts like alleyways, waste ground and wooded, bushy areas.

Stay alert: be aware of what's going on around you. Try to avoid wearing headphones - your ability to hear traffic, strangers or potential trouble is severely restricted.