'Oi! Look after yourself'
Tuesday, 16 February, 2010
Thames Valley Police and SaferMK launch new personal safety campaign for young people on a night out
Thames Valley Police in partnership with SaferMK, the partnership working to reduce crime in Milton Keynes, is this week launching a new personal safety campaign targeting young people who enjoy nights out in Milton Keynes.
The new campaign, called 'Oi! Look after yourself', aims to get 16-24 year olds to take a moment to think about potential risks to their personal safety when on a night out. Running from 17th to 20th February, the campaign will use a variety of different tactics to provide some simple tips for people to follow in order for them to help ensure they have a fun and safe night.
Safer MK have partnered with local nightclubs and taxi firms for the initiative. Oceania, Groove, Lloyds, Opus and Revolution will feature a dedicated Safer MK stand outside the clubs on different nights of the campaign. Young people interested in safety information and providing feedback to the SaferMK team can get a free discount voucher for a taxi home.
"Oi! Look after yourself" will also be promoted around the nightclubs via Bluetooth messages sent to clubbers' mobiles, along with specially designed posters that will highlight the safety messages as well as encourage people to turn on their Bluetooth. Clubbers will receive a free bottle of water if they show the downloaded message to a member of the team.
Deputy Local Police Area Commander, Acting Chief Inspector Amanda Blake, said: "Although Milton Keynes remains a very safe place to be on a night out, this campaign is a gentle reminder to people that they do need to take some responsibility for their own personal safety. Excessive drinking can have a negative effect on people's behaviour and you are far more likely to get involved in a confrontation. By regulating your drinking and taking on board plenty of water, you minimise the chances of making yourself vulnerable or losing control of your own temper and behaviour. It's all about having fun on a night out while staying safe and in control."
Natalie Webster, Reducing Public Place Violence Coordinator for Safer MK also said:
"By running this campaign we are hoping to add to the experience of a great night out in Milton Keynes. The Bluetooth messages will remind people to look out for each other, to keep safe and let them know they can have a free bottle of water on us if they need it"
