The final Friday before Christmas is always a busy one for Aberdeen City Centre as people enjoy festive nights out.
To prepare for the thousands of people set to enjoy themselves Police Scotland have put an unspecified number of additional officers on patrol to provide “reassurance and assistance if required”.
Street Pastors and the Scottish Ambulance Service have also buffed up their rosters for the night.
Inspector David Howieson of the City Centre Community Policing Team said: “We will have officers out patrolling the city centre on foot and on mobile patrols however I would urge anyone coming into the city centre tomorrow night or at any time over the festive period to take personal responsibility for their actions and safety.
“Over the last week we have been posting a different festive safety video each day which were produced by students from the Robert Gordon University. The messages have included the following:
- Plan how you are getting home in advance of your night out and don’t leave on your own or with strangers. Keep to busy areas and use public transport or a licensed taxi.
- Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged and keep it with you at all times,
- Never leave your drink unattended,
- Be careful of what you post online and the impact it could have on your life in the cold light of day
- Above all, drink sensibly. Drinking to excess can make you vulnerable and a potential victim or perpetrator of crime.
- If tensions are rising in a situation then walk away. Committing an offence on Friday night could potentially mean a weekend stay in a police cell with a court appearance on Monday.”
Inspector Howieson added: “We want everyone who goes out on Friday night and over the weekend to have an enjoyable evening and to stay safe. If you haven’t already watched our safety videos, I would suggest taking a moment to watch them.
“Keeping safe will ensure you remember your festive night out for all of the right reasons.”