A message from Durham Police and Crime Commissioner... Keeping Safe This Christmas: Enjoying Festive Cheer While Preventing Harm

Christmas is one of the most special times of the year. Our towns and city centre come alive with festive lights, family gatherings, office parties and long-awaited catchups with friends. As Police and Crime Commissioner for County Durham and Darlington, I want everyone to enjoy everything our brilliant night-time economy has to offer. But I also have a responsibility to speak plainly about the risks that come with this season—and how together we can prevent harm.

Alcohol and drugs continue to drive some of the most serious crimes in our communities. Nationally, alcohol is linked to more than half of all violent crime, and locally it remains a factor in 3 in 10 violent incidents, including one-punch assaults, sexual violence, serious injury and, in the worst cases, homicide. Drug use is now linked to half of all homicides and serious violence across the UK. These are not statistics on a page—they represent people whose lives are changed forever because a moment of impaired judgement or aggression ending in tragedy.

My Police Crime and Justice Plan is clear: we must make our communities safer, stronger, and more resilient to alcohol and drug-related crime. That means supporting targeted police operations in the night-time economy, improving visibility in hotspot areas, enhancing CCTV coverage, boosting public awareness, and protecting vulnerable people—particularly women and girls, who tell us they still feel less safe at night. It also means working with councils, licensing authorities, universities, venues, and community groups to reduce the risk of violence, spiking, assault, and anti-social behaviour before it occurs.

But creating safer nights out is not just a job for policing and partners—it is something each of us can influence through the choices we make.

Here are some practical tips to help you enjoy the festive season safely and confidently:

1. Plan your night from start to finish.

Organise transport in advance, stay with people you know and trust, and keep your phone charged. Share your plans with someone at home.

2. Know your limits—and pace yourself.

Excessive drinking can impair judgement and heighten risk. Eating beforehand and choosing lower-strength options can both make a difference.

3. Be careful with prescription medication.

Many prescription and over-the-counter drugs can severely increase intoxication or impair judgement when mixed with alcohol. If your medication advises no alcohol or warns about drowsiness, take it seriously combining the two can be dangerous for you and those around you.

4. Never drink or drug drive—no excuses.

Even small amounts of alcohol or drugs can slow your reactions and cost lives. Police will be conducting increased enforcement operations, and the consequences of one wrong decision can be life changing. 

5. Look after your drinks and your friends.

Spiking remains a concern. Never leave your drink unattended, and if something feels wrong, report it.

6. Stick together and do not leave anyone behind.

Most victims and perpetrators of serious violence are under twenty-five and out at night. Staying together reduces vulnerability.

7. Walk away from confrontation—one punch can kill.

If a situation feels heated or aggressive, step away, calm down, and seek help.

By staying alert and supporting friends who may be more vulnerable, we can all help ensure that festive nights out end with good memories—not harm.

Together, we can enjoy the season while keeping County Durham and Darlington safe, strong, and resilient.