POLICE are issuing personal safety advice as part of Christmas crime prevention week.

Officers are urging people to take sensible measures to stay safe and reduce the chance of becoming a victim during the festive party season.

DS Julie Law said: “We want everyone to be able to enjoy the festive season in a safe manner. It is important to remember that you are more vulnerable after consuming alcohol so make a plan on how to get home safely with friends before you go out.

"Don’t leave your drink unattended and think twice before accepting a drink from someone you don’t know.”

They are also making potential offenders aware that they will face serious consequences if they commit any violent or sexual offences and that they face a prison sentence.

DS Law said: “A cell in police custody is not a festive place to be. Our message to offenders is this: we will do everything in our power to identify you and put you before the courts.”

Police have issued the following advice:

• Think about your safety before you leave him: make sure someone knows where you are going, who you are with and what time you are likely to return

• Plan your transport ahead

• Fully charge your mobile phone and keep it with you

• Try and stay with friends and don’t go off alone • Avoid walking home in the dark but if you must, try to walk with a friend and keep to busy well lit roads even if it means taking a longer route

• Don’t be afraid about being wrong or over-reacting, the police would rather be called only to find that all is well than be dealing with an incident because someone was afraid of calling them

• If you see anything you think is suspicious, call the police

• If you are a victim of sexual assault, tell someone – police, a trusted friend, family member or GP. If you want to talk to someone in confidence, call the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) on 0808 168 0024.