Revellers warned of assaults danger

Police, together with volunteers, will be taking part in award-winning Operation Northdale, which aims to reduce the number of sexual offences across the district.

Operation Northdale, which received national recognition by winning the ACPO 2010 Excellence in Policing award, has been running over the Christmas and summer periods for the past couple of years.

During that time it has had successful results.

For the next six consecutive Saturday nights (August 6, 13, 20, 27, and September 3 and 10) Police Community Support Officers will be working with volunteers in the centres of Wakefield, Castleford and Pontefract identifying vulnerable people and assisting them where possible.

They will meet and greet revellers at key areas within the city and town centres where they will advise them to have fun, know their limits, stay with friends and guide them to safe transport home.

Anti-drink spiking devices, sweets and other products carrying safety messages will be handed out.

Insp Richard Close of Wakefield District Police said: “With the summer months upon us, more people tend to hit the towns and city centres to enjoy the warm weather.

“While we want people to go out and have fun, we urge them to drink responsibly and not make themselves vulnerable through binge-drinking.”

“It is vital that people look out for bogus taxi drivers and ensure that, when they do take a taxi, it is either pre-booked or is from a recognised rank.

“Our teams of officers and volunteers will be out providing reassurance to revellers, in particular, vulnerable women.

“And I hope people continue to sit up and take note of these important messages and keep themselves safe and out of trouble.”