Help your mates to walk away
- Keep an eye out for your mates. You know them best, but if they’re staring, shouting or squaring up, it’s a definite sign to get them to walk away.
- A quick apology. We’re often not our best selves when we’re drunk. A quick apology on behalf of a friend can help clear up a misunderstanding before things can kick off.
- Step in. If you feel safe, you can step in and make eye contact with your mate. It can make it easier to talk them down.
- Ask for help. If there are other mates out with you, get them to give you a hand. The more people that stand up and step in, the more likely things will calm down. If things are getting out of hand, call 999. In a non-emergency you can call 101.
Think you’re the main character? The joker? The one with all the rizz? Find out who you are in your group and get advice on how to keep you and your mates safe on a night out.
'Offenders and victims are often men aged between 18 and 30 who did not know each other before the interaction.'
Research shows that most incidents are caused by small triggers, something as basic as an error in judgement, a spilled drink, or a rude comment.
Offenders and victims are often men aged between 18 and 30 who did not know each other before the interaction.
In most cases, the offender has no criminal background. They tend to happen in busy areas between 11pm and 4am.
Superintendent Shaun Edwards from our Major Crime Unit said: ‘We want people to enjoy nights out that they remember for all the right reasons.
‘A single punch or a wrong choice to take a weapon on a night out can ruin lives and this campaign is part of a range of efforts that we’re making to make nights out safe for everyone.
‘We encourage venues, takeaways and other businesses in the night time economy to get involved and support the campaign.’