And so this is Christmas…
It’s been a tough couple of years after lockdown restrictions were put in place.
Meeting up and celebrating with friends, family and colleagues this year will feel extra special.
It also means that this weekend, the city centre is expected to be the busiest of the year.
Aberdeen FC is also welcoming Celtic to Pittodrie on Saturday afternoon.
With that in mind, and I say this without wanting to spoil anyone’s fun, I urge you to stay safe if you’re out this weekend.
Every year, the overwhelming majority of people enjoy themselves and get home safely.
However, unfortunately, a very small minority of people will likely remember their Christmas night out for all the wrong reasons.
We want you to avoid that, so:
- Keep safe by staying together when you’re out with friends
- Pace yourself. Keep an eye on how much you and your friends are drinking and don’t accept drinks from strangers, especially after you have had a few. Getting too intoxicated makes you extremely vulnerable to a range of crimes including theft, violence or sexual assault
- Plan your route home. Book taxis, organise a lift or take the train or buses (if they are running)
- DO NOT drink and drive if you are struggling to find a way home. There is absolutely no excuse for drink/drug-driving
- Think about the morning after. What time did you stop drinking? Alcohol can still be in your system the next day if you’ve had a late night, and tiredness can impede your ability to drive
- Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong or uncomfortable, it probably is, so trust your instincts and get out of the situation as quickly as you can. Police Scotland’s ‘That Guy’ campaign urges men to take responsibility for their actions and language, to help tackle sexual crime against women – for more information, visit: www.that-guy.co.uk
‘Bitterly cold and icy’
Please be mindful that temperatures are expected to remain freezing over the weekend.
The weather warning currently in place is expected to lift by Friday night, but it will still be bitterly cold and icy.
Wrap up warm and plan ahead how you will get home, as there is nothing worse than waiting in a taxi rank or walking home in freezing conditions.
Extra officers are being included in our weekend policing plans.
They will be out patrolling the city centre on foot and by vehicle, liaising with licensees and security staff and helping to ensure that everyone gets home safe and well.
Officers from our Safer City Unit, based at Marischal College in Aberdeen, have been carrying out festive patrols since the end of November.
We’ve experienced a really positive response so far and will continue to support the festive season with these dedicated patrols through until Hogmanay.
If you see us out and about, please feel free to come up and say hello – we also enjoy this time of year.
‘Remember this festive period for the right reasons’
Due to our work with partners, the city centre is a safe place to enjoy the festive period.
I would like to thank all the organisations we work with for their ongoing support and the vital work they do.
In particular, this year, when many people may find themselves facing difficult circumstances.
We also have the support of Aberdeen Street Pastors for the next three weekends, while the Scottish Ambulance Service resumes its Aberdeen City Safety Unit on Friday and Saturday nights.
We are here to work together but we also ask people to take responsibility for themselves and their friends.
Stay safe, have fun and remember this festive period for all the right reasons.