Reminder to ‘Think Safe, Drink Safe’ This Summer

North Wales Police, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Public Health Wales are joining forces to highlight the dangers of excessive drinking and the impact of dealing with drunkenness and alcohol-related incidents.

In partnership with the Health Board and Public Health Wales the Force will driving home the issues around alcohol consumption as part of their safer summer campaign.

Neighbourhood policing teams, including special constables and PCSO’s will be out and about in drinking hotspots to prevent crime and disorder, enforcing alcohol related legislation and reassuring the public about the work the Force.

Misuse of alcohol can cause great harm to communities and is a drain on emergency services as well as health and council resources.

Nationally, nearly 50 per cent of all violent crime is alcohol related, nearly half of all domestic abuse incidents are linked to alcohol and excessive drinking severely increases your likelihood of committing a crime or becoming a victim of crime.

Supt Gareth Evans said: “We work hard to keep our town centres safe so people can enjoy a good night out, but we must get the message across that people need to take greater responsibility for themselves and their friends to reduce the likelihood of them being injured, becoming a victim, or being involved in violence through excessive drinking.

“People come to harm for many reasons due to alcohol excess and the emergency services and local authorities are left picking dealing with the consequences..

During the summer we would also like to remind everyone to drink sensibly whether out on the town or at barbecues and parties. The message is simple – think safe, drink safe.”

Summer is a time to be sociable and it can be easy to forget quite how much alcohol you will have drunk over the course of a week. The warm weather can also act as an appetite suppressant meaning we often feel less hungry and skip meals. This can be dangerous; a combination of an empty stomach, sunny weather and alcohol can create a nasty cocktail.

Andrew Jones is the Executive Director for Public Health at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health board: “It is worth remembering that a drink or two in the warm summer sun will affect the body differently to how it might in winter. Alcohol related dehydration is prevalent in summer and can be very serious.

“Knowing how much you’ve drunk in a day a week or a month can help you make informed decisions when the next social situation presents itself. A day on the mocktails can be equally enjoyable and can help you hit your five a day.

“Our new ‘one drink one click app, available in the appstore can help you keep track of exactly how much you are drinking, keeping you within your limits.”