Police are urging the public to think about personal safety and plan their journeys home in the run up to Christmas.
Officers and their partner agencies held an Operation Oak event on Aberdeen’s Belmont Street yesterday to give advice to would-be revellers on staying safe while out in the city centre.
Taxi cards and posters with information on how people can get home safely, including taxi numbers, have been distributed at various city night spots.
City centre community policing team Sergeant Jonathan LePoidevin said: “People should plan their nights out and ensure they are able to get home safely whether that be by public transport, such as taxis or buses, or with a designated driver for the evening.
“As part of Operation Oak we work with a variety of partners in the city and advice around encouraging people to ‘party safe’ has been shared with them.”
The party safe tips include ensuring your mobile is fully charged, don’t leave drinks unattended, don’t use drugs or “legal highs”, stick with friends and use licensed taxis.
Over Christmas last year crime fell a third from the same period in 2012, and police are hoping for a similar fall this year.
One keen participant in the operation is the Revolution bar in Belmont Street. Manager Anthony Lover said: “Our duty of care starts when people reach a level two of intoxication, where you may pose a harm to yourself or to others.
“At this stage we ensure you get home safely and do not harm others. We offer a full range of services, chargers for phones, umbrellas free of charge and water at the bar and to take away.”
FirstGroup managing director Duncan Cameron said: “I am delighted to support Police Scotland in keeping people safe this Christmas and in particular Aberdeen with Operation Oak campaign. We want people to plan their journeys ahead and get into the city and home again safely.”
Chairman of Unight Aberdeen Ruary Campbell, who is also the general manager at Espionage Bar and Club complex, said:
“We will distribute the taxi cards to all our members to hand out over the next few weeks. It is important that all organisations work together to promote sensible drinking to ensure Aberdeen city centre has the reputation it deserves as a safe place to enjoy a night out.”