Safety CDs produced by police

SAFETY messages produced by the police are to be played in pubs and nightclubs just before revellers leave at the end of the night.

Essex Police have produced a range of CDs available to pubs and clubs with safety messages tailored to each establishment.

The hope is the CDs will lead to a reduction in crime and disorder and promote safety.

Raising awareness of CCTV use in town centres and a reminder that noise is a nuisance to residents are two of the messages. Others give advice on how not to become a victim, including taking care of valuables.

There are messages for temporary events such as a disco in a community centre which are usually in a highly residential area.

Either a male or female voice is used. There is either no background music or the message is delivered to the track The Beat Goes On.

The CDs are mainly aimed at venues licensed to open beyond normal pub hours, such as nightclubs and theme pubs, which traditionally have doorstaff.

But any licensee wishing to get involved can contact their local police licensing officer to order a CD which is free while stocks last.

Licensing officers from each police division will liaise directly with venues to ensure they receive a CD appropriate to their business.

The scheme is one of many being developed to meet the objectives of new licensing laws, which set objectives to reduce crime and disorder, reduce public nuisance, reduce harm to children and maintenance of public safety.

Community safety officer Sgt Nigel Dermott said: "Like any initiative it is only as good as the level of participation by each of our partners but I expect a good take up by the majority of the licensing trade.

"The face of licensing is about to change within the UK and we welcome the focus of the national policing plan on these important issues that can seriously affect the quality of life."

The scheme to is to be officially launched on Wednesday at Essex Police training centre.