'Stay Safe’ Message Reflected In Vanity Mirrors As Police Warn Women Of Danger Of Sexual Assault

The mirrors, which display a written message on the back urging the user to drink within their limits, were part of a wider campaign that also included radio advertisements and posters.

The posters ask readers if they will remember certain things in the midst of a hangover, including ‘Who you talked to?’ ‘Who bought you a drink?’ and ‘How you got home?’ and are intended to highlight how vulnerable people can be when under the influence of alcohol.

Nearly 2000 vanity mirrors were given away at pubs and clubs over the month of August 08 and 500 posters placed in licensed premises in the county.

Crime Reduction Officer Paul Francis said: “During this time of year we traditionally see a rise in the sexual assaults against women.. Many of these assaults occur when the victim is inebriated.

“The hot weather often encourages us to go out and drink more than usual but people need to be aware that alcohol impairs judgement and that there are others who may seek to take advantage of that.”

Apart from advising the public to drink more sensibly and giving handy advice such as taking a photo of a potential attacker with your mobile phone, the campaign was also intended to highlight other ways to keep safe on a night out.

Safety Advice

• Think ahead - consider how you are going to get home; what about pre-booking a taxi or arranging a lift with a friend or family member?

• Make sure that you stay with your party and that someone knows where you are at all times.

• Do not, under any circumstances, walk home alone.

• Make sure you have enough money to get home or to phone.

• Steer clear of trouble - if you see any trouble or suspect that it might be about to start - keep clear. The best thing you can do is to alert the police and keep away.

• Walk purposely and try to appear confident. Be wary of casual requests from strangers, like someone asking for a cigarette or change - they could have ulterior motives.