Police forces across Wales are gearing up for what they expect to be one of the busiest nights of the year.
Ahead of New Year’s Eve, South Wales Police and Cardiff council have joined forces to make sure revellers in the Welsh capital have a safe night out. "Operation Mistletoe" which also ran during the Black Friday celebrations, aims to reduce levels of alcohol-related disorder, vehicle crime, and theft in the city.
Extra police officers will patrol the streets of Cardiff on December 31 to target people causing anti-social behaviour.
Door staff at pubs and bars will be armed with body cameras to prevent and help detect crime and disorder. And for the first time this year, they will be given breathalysers to encourage sensible drinking and support them in refusing entry to drunk partygoers.
South Wales Police superintendent Stephen Jones said: “We want people to come to Cardiff to enjoy New Year’s Eve and everything the city has to offer. Operation Mistletoe will focus on both the day and night time economy, with additional patrols to create a safe environment for all.
“We want everyone to enjoy the capital but in a way that is socially acceptable and respectful of others.
"This year we have some additional measures – the body cams and the breathalysers – to encourage people to drink less and enjoy more.
"Throughout the campaign we will be working closely with our partner agencies to ensure that everybody has a good time and that they get home safely.”
Litter clear-up
As part of the partnership, additional urinals will be place around the city centre and there will be an increase in the amount of people clearing up commercial waste and general litter.
Cardiff council has confirmed that taxis will be given spot checks to ensure they are road worthy and correctly licensed. And similarly to Black Friday, street pastors will be walking the main drinking areas to offer additional support to vulnerable people who may be suffering from the effects of alcohol.
North Wales Police has backed called for people to have fun, but to do so carefully. They say there will also be extra patrols on duty. A “Safer Christmas” campaign has been running in the force area to remind people to drink responsibly and to use the 999 and 101 service appropriately.
Assistant Chief Constable Richard Debicki said: “We hope everyone out celebrating the New Year will have fun, but will behave sensibly and not spoil the festivities for themselves and others. Make sure you stay with your friends, especially if they’ve had a bit too much to drink. Don’t leave them vulnerable and alone. Plan how you will get home and keep money aside for a licenced taxi.
“We are also reminding people not to clog the 999 system with trivial issues, particularly on what is likely to be one of the busiest nights of the year for emergency services. There will be increased patrols across the area over New Year’s Eve and we are also working closely with our ambulance and fire colleagues as well as other agencies including licensed premises and local authorities.”
More than 6,000 breath tests carried out
The force say in the run up to Christmas more than 6,000 breath tests had been carried out with 40 arrests for drink driving and 26 arrests made for drug driving.
Alcohol Concern Cymru has urged people to “go dry for January” – and already more than 50,000 people have formally signed up to take part.
Director Andrew Misell, said: “Dry January is not about getting anyone to stop drinking for ever more. It’s about all of us who drink having a pause for thought, and maybe getting out of some drinking routines we’ve got into. Each year, thousands of people take up the Dry January challenge to go for 31 days without beer, wine or whatever alcohol they usually drink.
“If that sounds like a step too far for you, we’d like to ask you to give it a go. If it sounds easy as pie, perhaps you should try it.”
'We have a duty'
Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates AM, launched the 2016 Dry January campaign outside the Senedd with members of Cardiff Medicals Rugby Club.
“Our Change4Life Wales alcohol campaign offers advice on sensible drinking throughout the year, but the Dry January challenge is a great opportunity to reassess our relationship with alcohol, as well as possibly gaining some great health benefits such as lower blood sugar and blood pressure, improved sleep, losing weight, and feeling more energised.”
Cardiff Medicals Club Captain Joe Arthur said: “As medical students we have a duty to help ensure that people know the damage excessive alcohol consumption can do to their lives and health.
“We’re not saying don’t drink and don’t have a laugh, but we recognise the importance of drinking in moderation.”
SEE-http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/police-increase-patrols-issue-door-10662555
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