Message this summer is to have fun but stay safe
14 May 2008
Gloucester Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) will be spreading the safe drinking message at their stand at the Barnwood Fun Day on Saturday 17th May.
Members of the CDRP team will be handing out pink handbag-style leaflets full of tips for young women on how to avoid becoming the victim of crime and how to stay healthy while out on the town.
The A5 -sized pink ‘handbags’, which unfold to reveal comic strip-style advice on a girl’s night out theme, have been used across the county in response to concerns that increasing numbers of young women are putting their health and safety at risk by drinking heavily while out socialising. It is hoped that young people will adopt a sensible approach to drinking alcohol with the intention of enjoying a night out in the city whilst at the same time recognising the risks associated with drinking excessive amounts.
The CDRP will be raising awareness of alcohol issues with the aid of “beer goggles” – a pair of goggles that simulate the effects of alcohol intoxication by distorting the vision of the wearer to a point where their balance and coordination are affected. Members of the CDRP will invite residents to participate in a fun activity using the goggles.
Gloucestershire Constabulary’s Crime Reduction Officer PC Kevin Ireland said: “Gloucester is a pleasant and safe place to live but, like everywhere, there is a criminal element and thieves will be quick to exploit opportunities created by people who may be impaired by too much alcohol. It is important for people to stay in control when drinking alcohol and be aware of their personal safety and surroundings.”
The CDRP will also have their “drugs” display box available containing placebo drugs to enable visitors to the stand to see the effects of commonly used drugs. This forms part of National Tackling Drugs Week run by the Home Office, which ends on 23rd May 2008, and which aims to highlight the work being done by local agencies to tackle drugs and drug-related crime in local communities.
The CDRP will be joined by members of the Crime Prevention Panel who will be security post-coding bicycles and giving out crime prevention advice and information.
The event will be held at Barnwood Arboretum, Church Lane from 10am – 2pm.
For more information about Gloucester Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership see www.gloscrimereduction.org.uk
Issued on behalf of Gloucester Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership by COI News & PR South West. Media Enquiries: For further information please contact Pat Dabbs at the CRDP – 01452 396984