DRINKING AND PARTYING

Drinking can seriously increase your vulnerability so it's important to be aware of what's going on around you. Just following these few tips on a night out can make a huge difference to your well-being and ensure you have a good night.

Before a night out check that you have:

• A fully charged mobile phone
• Money
• Keys
• Condom

The peak time for theft of mobiles belonging to people over 18s is between 10pm and 6am i.e. when you're out having fun and potentially drinking. Stay alert and if your mobile phone is stolen call 949 for O2 carrier, 12345 for T mobile carrier, 905 for Orange carrier help immobilizing it.
Use cash machines wisely, in groups and in the day if possible. Put your card and cash away as quickly as possible and be aware of who's around you. Never write down your PIN.

THINK WHILE YOU DRINK

• Know your drink tolerance level and that of your friends. Don't leave your friends when they need you or you need them the most.
• Avoid confrontation. Its better - and safer - to walk away if you're being hassled or provoked.
• The more drunk you are the more susceptible you are to potential attackers. Get a taxi, walk home in groups - whatever you do don't walk home alone.
• Don't go out on an empty stomach, you can guarantee on having a hefty hangover the next day if you do. On that note - drinking alternate alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic beverages can save on pain the day after.
• If you are attacked, call 112 immediately. By attending the scene quickly, the police are more likely to catch your attackers, and possibly stop them from hurting others.

Should you find yourself a victim of drink spiking, consider taking your case to the police. If the drink spiking turns into something worse such as theft or, even more frightening, rape or sexual assault, again please alert the police.