Revellers visiting Edinburgh city centre this weekend are being urged to make plans to ensure they get home safely at the end of their evening.
With the Christmas party season now well underway, police expect there to be a high number of people visiting the city centre for a night out with work colleagues and friends.
As part of Operation Astrodome (the Lothian and Borders Police response to the festive season in Edinburgh) officers will be carrying out additional high-visibility patrols in order to provide reassurance to the public, and deal with any criminal behaviour.
Inspector Gill Geany, from Lothian and Borders Police, said:
“Edinburgh city centre is a great place to visit for a night out, and we are keen that people enjoy themselves over the festive season.
“We would urge revellers to drink sensibly, and to consider what steps they can take to ensure they get home safely at the end of the night.
“It is advisable for people to ensure their mobile phone is fully charged before they go out, and if for any reason you lose your mobile, then you should keep a list of emergency numbers and some spare change if you need to make a call.
“I would also urge people to remain in the company of their friends, and if possible, to make arrangements to travel home together at the end of the night.
“Late night buses are available and there are a number of taxi ranks in operation throughout the city, staffed by taxi marshals from City of Edinburgh Council.
“Lothian and Borders Police and the Council have worked together to produce totem posters that have been erected in the city centre, showing the locations of late night bus stops and taxi ranks.
“I would urge people to make use of these transport options, and to plan ahead to ensure they get home safely.
“Our personal safety pocket guide – ‘Good Nights Out, Get Home Safely’ – is available to download on the Lothian and Borders Police website, and I would recommend that people take advantage of the advice available.”
Councillor Cammy Day, Community Safety Leader for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “At this busy, festive time of year, a lot of people will be out and about across Edinburgh, celebrating with friends and enjoying the party atmosphere.
“We want to make sure everyone has a good time without putting themselves or others at risk, which is why it’s worth heeding the advice from the Police to drink sensibly, think about how you’re going to get home at the end of the night and most importantly, look after yourselves and each other.”
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