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Suffolk police are continuing to issue summertime crime prevention advice, so that people can take precautions to help prevent themselves from becoming victims of crime or putting themselves or their property at risk.

Ch Supt Jon Brighton, county policing commander for Suffolk said: “Inevitably during warmer periods people go out more, visiting venues around the county and as a result may drink increased amounts of alcohol.

“People let their guards down when they drink and in turn either become vulnerable or act out of character, committing anti-social behaviour, sexual offences, assaults and public order offences.

"We are asking people to drink sensibly, ensure they stick with their friends and make the necessary arrangements to ensure they get home safely.”

Officers proactively patrol the night-time economy areas in the county, providing a highly visible re-assuring presence and work with licensees to ensure they are adhering to the terms of their license.

Ch Supt Brighton continued: “Tackling alcohol-related crime is a priority for the force all year round, but during the summer period we are acutely aware that the number of people going out and drinking increases, which can lead to an increase in this type of crime.

“Violent crime is a serious offence and can result in serious trauma for the victim and a custodial sentence for the offender.

"This is often triggered by excessive drinking and we would urge all to think about the consequences of drinking too much alcohol, which can have a permanent impact on individuals, family and friends.

“We want people to enjoy summer nights in a safe friendly environment, and not to become victims of an alcohol-related crime.

"We will be looking to deal with alcohol-related anti-social behaviour by early inventions to ensure our town centres remain safe and welcoming to visit.”

Simple steps can be taken and the following advice is being issued by police:

Going out:
Know your limits and don’t overdo it. Look out for your friends and stick together;
Get home safely – arrange your plans to get home before you go out, tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to be home;
;Protect your possessions – Opportunist thieves strike quickly, look after your possessions and keep them with you at all times.

At home:
Remember to close and lock windows and doors when you are going out. Close it, Lock it, Check it: never leave an open invitation;
Don’t leave gardening tools in your garden overnight. Not only could they be stolen – they could be used to break into your house;
Think security, even when at home. For example, if you are outside in your back garden, remember to shut and secure front windows and doors.

On the road:
Thinking of driving? – Consider the ‘fatal five’ before driving - drink driving, driving whilst using your mobile phone, speeding, not wearing a seat belt and driving whilst tired. All five can result in people being killed or seriously injured.

By the water:
Take care when near open water. Do not swim in unsupervised stretches of water such as lakes and rivers, which can have strong currents and underwater obstacles.

For parents:
School holidays and lighter nights often mean your children stay out longer. Do you know where your children are and who they are with?

Further advice can be found on the Suffolk Police website www.suffolk.police.uk under the Safety Advice section.