Emergency services in Suffolk are urging people to stay safe while out and about celebrating the festive season.

The advice comes ahead of what is predicted to be a busy weekend for the emergency services as people flock to town centres for festive drinks and Christmas parties.

Chief Superintendent Jon Brighton said: “We want people to have an enjoyable Christmas – and that means staying safe.

“Overindulging in alcohol increases your risk of becoming both a victim and a perpetrator of crime so we’d urge you to follow our advice this weekend and think again before you drink another drop.

“Don’t be tempted to drink too much before you head out, not only are you making yourself vulnerable, but if clubs and bars think you are drunk then you might not be allowed in.

“Stick together with your friends, never leave your drink unattended and always make sure you organise safe transport home.

“This advice, combined with not drinking too much, will help ensure you enjoy a safe night out.”

December is traditionally a particularly busy time for the emergency services with more people than normal visiting clubs and pubs across the county.

Each person arrested for being drunk and disorderly costs the taxpayer approximately £950, and it’s not just the police whose resources are placed under pressure as a result of people drinking too much.

Jason Gillingham, senior locality manager for the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) in East Suffolk, said alcohol-related incidents placed huge pressure on the service during the Christmas party season.

“There are patients and relatives who will have their festive season ruined by people who have drunk to excess.

“Our message is quite simple – when people go out we want them to drink responsibly and to know their limits.

“We are asking people to have a plan for getting home with a designated driver who they know.”

For more advice on how to stay safe over Christmas, visit www.suffolk.police.uk

Top tips for a safe night out

Drink plenty of water, pacing yourself to ensure you do not become dehydrated. A pint of water before you go to bed can also help see off any headaches.

Eat well before you drink and your body will be better equipped to soak up the alcohol.

Don’t be tempted to drink too much before the night begins, pre-drinking might save you money but if you’ve had too much, you will be refused entry to bars and clubs.

Try turning up to the bar or party later than usual, to minimise your drinking time, or kick off with a soft drink to stop you feeling so thirsty.

Stick with friends, look out for one another and make sure you all get home safely. Arrange a meeting point and rendezvous times in case you get separated from friends.

Pre-book safe transport home and do not accept lifts from strangers. Save the number of a licensed taxi firm in your mobile phone. Always check the driver’s identification and never get into an unlicensed taxi.

Avoid walking alone and never take short cuts through dark alleys or large open spaces.

Keep an eye on your drinks and never leave them unattended. Even soft drinks could get spiked.

Getting behind the wheel after drinking can have tragic consequences, our advice is simple, don’t drink and drive.