By Police warn partygoers about nightlife dangers in South Yorkshire
Local police officers have issued a warning to partygoers about the dangers of South Yorkshire’s nightlife as spiking cases and violence increases throughout the region.
As the winter draws near and nights grow longer, there is more room for individuals to be harmed by predators.
South Yorkshire Police said: “We wish we didn’t have to give you this guidance, in an ideal world everyone would be free to go about their day or evening without the fear of harm or violence, but the sad reality is that there are predators out there who may look to take advantage.
“If you are a victim of crime – please know that this is never your fault; it is the offender who is to blame.”
The force has released some information about how to take precautions to avoid nightlife dangers before and during a night out.
Never lose sight of your drink or leave it unattended – drinks can instead be left with friends if need be.
Never accept a drink from a stranger if you did not see it being made.
If a drink does not taste right, do not finish it.
If you feel unwell, seek medical advice and stay close to people you know – staying indoors is safer than leaving clubs for fresh air.
Report to a staff member and the police as soon as possible if you believe you have been spiked.
Always plan how you will return home in advance.
Make sure to charge your phone before leaving the house – portable chargers are a great way to make sure your phone never dies when you need it.
If you are going out alone, tell a friend where you are heading in advance and check up with them regularly.
Download a tracking app on your phone so that your family and friends can see where you are if something happens to you.
Always let them know when you have arrived home safely.
Never let a drunk friend go home alone.
Make sure any taxis you take are licensed by checking that they have a medallion number, but always pre-book taxis if you can.
You can share your Uber journeys with friends through ‘share my trip’ so that they can track your journey and make sure you are safe.
iPhones also allow users to set up emergency SOS’s so that they can call 999 and send a GPS location to their emergency contacts by pressing the side button five times.
If you have been a victim of a crime or someone is making you feel unsafe, please call 101 or 999 in an emergency.
(Photo: Alex Voulgaris)
