'Take care of each other' - Newcastle City Council's message this Christmas party season

Residents and visitors to Newcastle this Christmas are being reminded to stay safe and take care of each other with the city's Christmas party season is in full swing.

Newcastle City Council and Northumbria Police have joined forces to encourage partygoers to follow some simple steps to keep everyone safe during their night out.

These steps include the following:

• Before going out, tell someone where you're going and what time you expect to be home.
• Keep a small amount of money in your clothing in case you lose your purse or wallet and need to contact someone or get yourself home.
• Make sure your phone is charged before you go out.
• Keep your valuables out of sight of others at all times if possible and don’t lend your phone to someone you don’t know.
• When you’re out, stay with your friends and look out for each other.
• Drink responsibly and never leave your drinks unattended.
• Don’t accept a drink from someone you don’t know.
• Make sure you plan your journey home in advance.
• Avoid walking alone at night and make sure someone knows where you are at all times.
• If you notice anything suspicious or spot someone in distress, make sure you report it to the police or tell a member of staff in the pub or club.

When making your way home, members of the public should make sure they are only using a licensed taxi or plan ahead if they are wanting to use public transport.

Newcastle City Council has reminded people that only licensed hackney carriages, often referred to as black cabs, can pick up passengers without prebooking.

The vehicles must have a taxi sign displayed on the roof, a Council crest on the front passenger door and a red plate at the back of the vehicle.

All private hire vehicles must be booked through a licensed company by telephone or on an app and they cannot be hailed down in the street.

The operator will confirm the booking and give details of the car and the driver.

The car should display the name of the company on the rear doors, as well as the licence number in the window and a green plate at the rear of the vehicle.

Cllr Paula Maines, Cabinet member for a Resilient City at Newcastle City Council, has reassured people that the authorities will be on hand to help anyone who needs it over the Christmas party period.

She said: “We want everyone to be safe and have a fantastic time when they are out celebrating with friends and family this Christmas.

“During the festive season we will continue working closely with partners to engage with people, support anyone who may need assistance and be on hand to respond quickly and effectively to incidents when we are required to.

“It’s important people work with us by making sure they look after themselves, stay with their friends and ensure they know how they are going to get home.

“If you are having a night out this Christmas, please take care of each other and have a fun and safe time.”

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Inspector Karen Madge, of Northumbria Police, is urging members of the public to approach police officers should they need them.

She commented: “Newcastle is renowned as a vibrant and welcoming place and we want everyone to feel safe when enjoying a night out in the city.

“In the run-up to Christmas, as well as at all times of the year, we have dedicated officers carrying out patrols, engaging with the public and also identifying anyone who might be in need of assistance.

“We are extensively supported in this work by all of our partners in the city’s night-time economy and this includes venue door staff and licensing teams from the Local Authority.

“If you are planning on having a night out in Newcastle this Christmas, please have an enjoyable time.

"If you do need the police, please do not hesitate to approach one of our officers. We’re here to help.”