Cautionary bedtime tale for party-goers
Staffordshire partygoers are being warned to keep their drinking within sensible limits over the festive period – or risk waking up in a cell.
Staffordshire partygoers are being warned to keep their drinking within sensible limits over the festive period – or risk waking up in a cell.
A campaign has been launched contrasting images of custody with those of home comforts.
It comes at a time when alcohol-related violence soars. The campaign banner, which will be displayed outside police stations and other high-visibility sites around the county, asks: "Where do you want to wake up?" It shows a choice of beds, one in a comfy bedroom the other in custody.
The bed image will also appear on posters together with another showing two full English breakfasts – one home-cooked, the other a police station microwave meal. In addition, a radio campaign based on the breakfast theme will be launched on December 15.
Chief Inspector John Maddox, Staffordshire Police's lead on alcohol-related violence, said it's not just offenders who can suffer the consequences of having too much to drink.
He said: "Crime stats show us that this problem shoots up over the festive period for offenders and victims alike. The facts are that if you're drunk you're an easier target and more likely to be a victim of crime, including violent crime.
"I'm sure many people who are getting ready for a night out don't think they could end up in hospital or a police cell. Unfortunately, that can be the reality.
"Force-wide, we saw a significant increase between November and December of 2007 in the number of violent offenders where drink was a factor – up from 266 in November to 338 a month later. This pattern was duplicated in victims, where we saw a rise of around a quarter from 112 cases in November to 147 in December 2007."
Chief Inspector Paul Trevor, of the Chase division, said: "Throughout the Christmas period, we will be continuing to deploy high visibility patrols throughout the busy town centre areas across the division and hope everyone will enjoy the excellent recreational facilities on offer in safety.
"The message this festive season is clear – alcohol-related violence and disorder is not acceptable."
Mr Maddox added: "We're not saying you shouldn't enjoy yourself – but remember the possible consequences."
