SUFFOLK police has been handing out leaflets advising people how they can stay safe when they go on a night out during the busy festive season.A total of 10,000 leaflets have been printed and they have already been given to football fans at the Ipswich Town match on Saturday and shoppers in the town centre.

By Richard Smith

SUFFOLK police has been handing out leaflets advising people how they can stay safe when they go on a night out during the busy festive season.

A total of 10,000 leaflets have been printed and they have already been given to football fans at the Ipswich Town match on Saturday and shoppers in the town centre.

Detective Chief Superintendent Stewart Gull said: “I would urge people receiving a leaflet not to bin it, but read it - and pass it on to friends and family.

“Much of it is common sense. But, at this time, I believe it is important that everyone reminds themselves of the simple steps they can follow to help keep themselves safe when out at night.”

The leaflets give a number of tips on personal safety and, although much of it is aimed at women, there is advice that can be useful to anyone of any age.

Officers want people to plan their route and to avoid short cuts through unlit or deserted areas and, whenever possible, to walk in a group.

They should let someone know where they are going and the time of their return, and they are advised to walk facing the traffic so a car cannot pull up behind unnoticed.

Police say anyone wearing a personal stereo could be vulnerable because the sound may prevent them from hearing traffic or somebody approaching behind.

Women should carry a personal attack alarm and, if they are confronted, use the alarm, run, scream and shout to attract attention.

Lifts should not be accepted from a stranger and those passengers using public transport are advised to stand in a well-lit place. If a bus is empty, they should sit on the lower deck near the driver.

When a taxi arrives, they should ask for the name of the person the driver is to collect as well as his name and company.

When arriving home, they should have their money and house keys ready and consider asking the driver to wait until they are in the house.

There are panic alarms available from the police, Suffolk County Council reception, Ipswich Borough Council reception and the Ipswich OneStop Shop and the Town Hall in Ipswich.