How are you getting home this Christmas?

How are you getting home this Christmas?

Hope you are enjoying your evening! Thank you for scanning our QR code that provides top tips on how to have a happy and safe Christmas. For your chance to win one of twenty alternative Christmas stockings please email your answer to the question on your beer mat to nightsafe@southandvale.gov.uk

To see what treats are in an alternative Christmas stocking, scroll to the bottom of this page.

Ten top taxi tips for a happy and safe Christmas

Be sure you have enough money to pay the fare.
Only use a licensed taxi (these have a licence plate with the council’s logo).
Pre-book private hire vehicles in advance, they cannot be flagged down in the street.
All licensed taxi drivers will have and should display photo identification. Ask to see it and check the photo looks like the driver and the badge hasn’t expired.
Ask the taxi company if they offer a text messaging service informing you of when the taxi is on its way or outside the location.
Ask the driver for the name of the person they have been asked to pick up.
Do not shout or swear at the driver, treat the driver as you would like to be treated.
If you chat to the driver do not give out any personal details.
Do not smoke in the taxi and take any litter with you.
Share a taxi with friends and arrange a ‘buddy’ system by calling them when you are home so they know you are safe.

Ten top personal safety tips for a happy and safe Christmas

1. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

2. Protect your PIN at cash machines and don’t let a stranger distract you.

3. Never leave your drink, wallet or bag unattended.

4. Nse a spikey to prevent your drink being spiked.

5. Look out for your friends and stick together.

6. Let someone know where you are going and your time of return.

7. Do not accept lifts from strangers.

8. When waiting for a bus or train, stand where it is well-lit and there are other people.

9. When arriving home, have your keys ready.

10. Don’t over do it! 

Other useful information: 

Report a crime

Thames Valley Police 101 new non emergency number, 999 in an emergency

Crimestoppers 0800 555 111, anonymous reporting

Domestic abuse support

Oxfordshire helpline 0800 731 0055 www.reducingtherisk.org.uk

Emergency contraception

www.yoursexualhealthoxon.nhs.uk

For emotional support

Samaritans 08457 90 90 90 www.samaritans.org

Gambling support and advice 0121 233 1335 www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk

Alcohol support

Oxfordshire drug and alcohol support 01865 403151 www.smartcjs.org.uk

The alternative Christmas stocking!

Our special Christmas competition prize includes:

• personal attack alarm
• a purse bell
• an ultra violet marker pen
• other small security items

This treat sized bag of goodies would be ideal as a present for a student, parent or elderly relative and would make a great stocking filler. If you’re not one of our lucky winners, you can buy a stocking from any police station in South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse areas for £3. 

Terms and conditions:

Entries giving the correct answer will be entered into a draw and 20 will be drawn at random. The organiser’s decision is final and correspondence will not be entered into. The closing date is 6 January 2012.