Revellers set to enjoy a day of alcohol-soaked excess in Huddersfield town centre on ‘Mad Friday’ have been warned by police to behave.
West Yorkshire Police expect to receive many hundreds of calls in an average 24-hour period and expect the normal daily workload to increase by at least 50% as the start of the Christmas holiday for many is marekd by drinking.
And Kirklees will be no exception with Supt Paul Jeffrey, an officer for 30 years, saying officers will be ready to meet the challenge of hundreds of drinkers flooding into town determined to have a good time.
He said: “We are no kill-joys but we are mindful that people in the town centre will be over-imbibing.
“We want to be there so people can celebrate safely and enjoy the Christmas spirit.
“Drunkenness and antisocial behaviour will be dealt with firmly but fairly. Our presence will there to provide reassurance.”
And he stressed the need for revellers to be extra careful when it comes to inevitable sexual encounters.
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He added: “Alcohol is no substitute for consent! And the consequences of consent not being in place could lead to someone being arrested for rape.”
As well as making sure the revelries don’t get out of hand, police are also warning residents heading for the town centre that they don’t neglect basic safety precautions at home.
He said: “We are mindful of the vulnerability of people’s homes and property when they are out and enjoying the festivities.
“There will be extra patrols across the district but we would urge residents to take basic crime prevention measures.
“Don’t let criminals see your carefully wrapped presents under the tree.”
