This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/wales/8418300.stm
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Police prepare for festive Friday | Police prepare for festive Friday |
(about 10 hours later) | |
Police and paramedics across Wales are preparing for one of the busiest party nights of the year. | Police and paramedics across Wales are preparing for one of the busiest party nights of the year. |
Dubbed "Bleak Friday" or "Black Friday", thousands of revellers are expected on city and town streets. | Dubbed "Bleak Friday" or "Black Friday", thousands of revellers are expected on city and town streets. |
Initiatives in Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, and Rhyl include mobile first aid units, taxis marshals and "street pastors" or "angels" to help people. | |
An estimated 300,000 shoppers and party-goers are expected through Cardiff city centre alone on Friday. | An estimated 300,000 shoppers and party-goers are expected through Cardiff city centre alone on Friday. |
South Wales Police is running a campaign to cut alcohol-related violence, while the union Unison said paramedics face an increased risk of attack. | South Wales Police is running a campaign to cut alcohol-related violence, while the union Unison said paramedics face an increased risk of attack. |
Chief Superintendent Josh Jones said the policing operation would include checks on taxis and other licensed vehicles as well as officers operating from a mobile medic station at the Millennium Stadium. | Chief Superintendent Josh Jones said the policing operation would include checks on taxis and other licensed vehicles as well as officers operating from a mobile medic station at the Millennium Stadium. |
He said: "My advice, to people heading into the city on Friday night, is stay in control and don't do anything to make yourself vulnerable." | He said: "My advice, to people heading into the city on Friday night, is stay in control and don't do anything to make yourself vulnerable." |
The last Friday before Christmas is set to be popular with party-goers | The last Friday before Christmas is set to be popular with party-goers |
As part of the force's alcohol-related violence campaign bars and nightclubs in Cardiff and Swansea are displaying mirror stickers which place partygoers behind bars or in a police cell with the warning "Instant Regret - Just add alcohol". | |
Swansea's Wind Street will close to traffic at midday on Friday as the city's gears up for thousands of revellers. | Swansea's Wind Street will close to traffic at midday on Friday as the city's gears up for thousands of revellers. |
As well as taxi marshals, a team of church-based "street pastors" will be on hand to help people in distress. | As well as taxi marshals, a team of church-based "street pastors" will be on hand to help people in distress. |
Strategic community safety manager Jeff Davison said paramedics based in Castle Square would provide first aid triage for people with minor injuries. | Strategic community safety manager Jeff Davison said paramedics based in Castle Square would provide first aid triage for people with minor injuries. |
He said: "With a very large number of people, there may be a few trips and falls that can be dealt with effectively and easily at the scene rather than have people go up to casualty." | He said: "With a very large number of people, there may be a few trips and falls that can be dealt with effectively and easily at the scene rather than have people go up to casualty." |
Stay safe advice Never accept drinks from a strangerDo not leave drinks unattendedMake arrangements on how to get homeUse a taxi from a reputable firmAvoid walking home aloneWalk away from troublePace your drinks and drink water or soft drinks during the eveningDo not mix drink and drugsSource: Gwynedd community safety | |
In Newport, as well as taxi marshals, anyone in need of a taxi can text CAB to 83222 to receive a text back with the numbers of three randomly-picked private hire or taxi firms closest to their location. | In Newport, as well as taxi marshals, anyone in need of a taxi can text CAB to 83222 to receive a text back with the numbers of three randomly-picked private hire or taxi firms closest to their location. |
Meanwhile Dyfed-Powys Police officers in Aberystwyth will hand out free bottles water to revellers to help drinkers stay relatively sober. | Meanwhile Dyfed-Powys Police officers in Aberystwyth will hand out free bottles water to revellers to help drinkers stay relatively sober. |
Pc Neil Thompson said: "The idea of handing out bottles of water serves not only as high visibility policing in the town, but also gives revellers a chance to cool down. | Pc Neil Thompson said: "The idea of handing out bottles of water serves not only as high visibility policing in the town, but also gives revellers a chance to cool down. |
"And, of course, the water also flushes out the toxins and ensures that people remain well hydrated." | "And, of course, the water also flushes out the toxins and ensures that people remain well hydrated." |
'Angels' | |
In Rhyl a 13-strong team of "street angels" made up of mainly churchgoers and Salvation Army volunteers, will be out at peak times on seven days over the festive period. | |
They will had out goodie bags with personal safety alarms, condoms and bottles of water and try to help people find a taxi home. | |
Gwynedd Community Safety Partnership is warning people not to let their guard down as they enjoy themselves. | |
"A lot of people will enjoy a drink at some of Gwynedd's many pubs, bars and restaurants over the Christmas and the New Year, and there is a responsibility to look after yourself and others, and to know your limits," said Catherine Roberts, the council's senior community safety officer. | |
"Our advice to people to stay safe over the holiday season is not to place yourself in a risky situation and not to do things you wouldn't normally do," she added. | |
Flintshire Young People's Drug & Alcohol Team will be distributing safety packs a part of the team's "Taking the anti out of antisocial behaviour" campaign, which promotes the importance of keeping safe while drinking. | |
The packs will contain a personal alarm, a bottle of water, a snack bar, a pair of flip flops and information on alcohol units, emergency action and health advice, and will be distributed on 17, 18 and 19 December. |
Previous version
1
Next version