Have fun but be safe, say county police

POLICE are urging people in Ashbourne to be safe when partying or on a night out during the festive season.

The advice comes as the party season gets under way, and towns become busier with people celebrating with colleagues, friends and family.

There will be an increased police presence in the county’s towns and in Derby during the Christmas period, and officers have been working with partnership organisations, pubs and clubs to keep people safe by encouraging responsible alcohol sales.

Pubwatch venues are taking part in the Ask for Angela initiative, to encourage anyone feeling unsafe or uncomfortable on a night out to approach bar staff for help.

The campaign allows anyone to go to the bar and simply ask to speak to ‘Angela’ to show they are in an uncomfortable situation or need help.

Staff will then call a taxi or discretely offer help and venues involved in the scheme will display posters sharing the message.

Police are encouraging people to download the free personal safety app, Hollieguard, to their smart phones to help them feel safe in vulnerable situations.

The app can track a person’s location, and if they feel unsafe they can shake their phone to warn their contacts that they might be in danger.