Police launch new safety campaign (From Bucks Free Press)

Police launch new safety campaign

8:00am Sunday 29th November 2009

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THAMES Valley Police have warned pub-goers to remain vigilant on nights out during the party season as the force launches a new campaign to prevent rape.

The force has backed the National Rape Awareness Week, which starts on Monday, and are urging people to take steps to remain safe while out on the town.

Hard-hitting adverts will be run on television next week showing the impact of sexual assault and rape on victims, with the campaign focusing on the impact of alcohol and excessive drinking in a large number of rape cases.

Police said 533 rapes were recorded across the Thames Valley in 2008, 106 of which were reported in Buckinghamshire, excluding Milton Keynes where a further 85 were recorded.

So far this year the force has recorded 488 rape cases, 92 in Bucks, with DI Nick Deacon pleading for revellers to “let your hair down, not your guard”.

He said: “At this time of year, alcohol plays a big part in people making the right or wrong choices.

“People let their guard down and get themselves into situations which, when sober, they would not consider.

“This Christmas we want people to enjoy themselves but keep their wits about them, stay in groups and look after themselves and their friends.

“Also remember, if someone says no to sex, that means no. No consent turns sex into rape.

“Thames Valley Police is committed to positively dealing with rape and other sexual crimes, bringing offenders to justice and working to raise public awareness in an attempt to reduce the number of victims.

“We have specially trained officers in place to provide a first response to victims of rape and support them through the criminal justice process."

During the campaign, adverts will be run in towns and cities across the Thames Valley on telephone kiosks and in bars, pubs and clubs, posters and leaflets will be distributed through Pubwatch groups and messages will be sent out via Bluetooth and Facebook.

DI Deacon said: “If you are going out for the evening, plan how you are going to get home. Book a licensed taxi from a firm you trust or arrange for parents or friends to collect you. Alternate your drinks with soft drinks and don’t accept drinks from strangers.”

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