Police Scotland has issued safety advice for party goers over the festive period.

Make sure your mobile is charged

Try to plan your Christmas night out – charge your mobile and remember to take it with you. If you plan to use it to arrange transport, make sure that you have enough power left at the end of the night.

Know how you will get home

Think about how you’ll get home, ensure you have money to get home if you need to get a taxi, bus or train. Always book taxis from a reputable company or arrange for a family member or friend to pick you up.

Stay safe on your journey home – never take isolated short cuts. Keep to busy areas and on public transport, sit where there are lots of other people.

Watch what you are drinking

If drinking alcohol, be sensible about how much you consume and don’t accept drinks from strangers or people you have just met.

Don’t leave drinks unattended; be sensible and pace yourself.  A drunk person is a far easier target for a criminal.

Be drug free

Don’t use drugs or New Psychoactive Substances, sometimes misleadingly called ‘legal highs’.  Legal doesn’t mean safe – they can contain toxic and harmful chemicals. Why risk your life?

Look after each other

Stick with friends – don’t leave nights out on your own or with strangers. Take care of each other and make sure you all get home safely.

And for drivers….

Drivers should be mindful that partygoers, particularly those under the influence of alcohol can step out / stagger onto the road without warning. Slow down when in crowded areas.