Christmas 2022: 'Tis The Reason
Christmas celebrations:
This Christmas, keep an eye out for friends and loved ones. Stick together on nights out, don’t leave drinks unattended and never accept any you didn’t see being poured.
Remember, bars and clubs can refuse entry to anyone they suspect is drunk – so why not #DrinkLessEnjoyMore?
Don’t leave getting home to chance – plan your journey home in advance and if using a taxi, be sure to use only licensed firms.
Driving under the influence:
Drink or drug-driving is one of the #Fatal5 and costs lives. If you’re out for a few drinks, leave the car at home.
Never accept a lift from someone who’s been drinking or taking drugs.
If you suspect someone is driving under the influence – report it. Never put pressure on anyone who’s been drinking to drive.
You could still be over the limit the next day.
Related articles:
Early kick-off for festive drink and drug drive campaign
Designated driver scheme, DES, launches with licensed premises in Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Christmas markets, festive fun, works nights out, train strikes. These all contribute to busier streets, bars, public transport, roads, so be sure to plan ahead.
We have various operations running in our towns and cities to keep you safe day and night, and year-round initiatives such as the Safety Bus and Swansea Help Point will also be available on set days.
Related articles:
Op Winter launched in Swansea to keep communities safe during the festive period
Christmas shopping:
Out and about being Santa’s Little Helper?
Minimise the risk of falling victim to thieves and ensure your own personal safety by parking in well-lit areas, preferably secure car parks, and ensuring all windows and doors are closed and locked.
Avoid leaving purchases in vehicles, but if you have to, keep them out of sight in the boot.
Invest in security products where possible, such as good quality D-locks for bikes.
Don’t leave bags unattended, even momentarily. Keep handbags closed, and wallets or purses in an inside pocket.
Shopping online:
Make sure the website is secure before entering personal or payment details. Look for the locked padlock icon in the browser and ensure the web address starts with https://
Use a payment method that offers buyer protection, and if possible, a credit card.
Financial institutions will never ask for your online banking details by email or telephone, nor will they ask for your PIN.
Learn how to spot fraudulent emails, texts or direct messages, or social media offers.
The Christmas clear-up:
Dispose of packaging carefully – empty boxes could advertise what you have at home.
Register valuables for free at www.immobilise.com.
Related articles:
Victims of festive online shopping scams lost £1,000 per person, figures show
Reporting incidents helps us to help you. Not only can we attend scenes to deal with the situations, but reports can help inform patrols and other safety measures we and partners take.
Is there a place where you’ve not felt safe? Broken streetlights on your route to work? Report via the national StreetSafe initiative anonymously to inform local agencies, including policing, of areas that may need attention.
Concerned about a loved one and suspect they may be a victim of abuse? Suspect someone is being exploited? Always speak up; we take reports seriously and work with various partner agencies to ensure appropriate support services can be offered.
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Our teams are here for the communities of south Wales 24/7, but with so many needing us, our phone lines can be busy at times.
Did you know there are a range of ways to contact us online?
Every online contact is dealt with by our control room colleagues and is prioritised in the exact same way as the calls we receive.
So if you need us, why not try:
- Live Chat at www.south-wales.police.uk (between 9am and 4pm, Mon-Fri)
- Report online: https://www.south-wales.police.uk/ro/report
- Email [email protected]
- 101 and 999 (in an emergency) are both still available if you prefer traditional contact methods.
Unsure if your report, query or concern is a police matter or one for our partners? Check out this handy guide.
It's the most wonderful time of the year - but not for everybody...
Are there neighbours or members of your community who need extra support during the festive season?
Can you spare time to check on them?
If you or someone you know finds it a difficult time of year, there are many organisations which can help:
Y Samariaid / Samaritans: 116 123
The Trussell Trust: 0808 2082138
Crisis (homelessness): 01792 674900
Mind Cymru: 0300 123 3393
Cruse Bereavement Support: 0808 808 1677
DAN 24/7 (Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline): 0808 808 2234 or text DAN to 81066