Be sensible, Be safe is the key message being given to people across Swindon and Wiltshire from the Community Safety Partnership in the run-up to and throughout the Christmas and New Year period.

A month-long partnership safety campaign will launch on Monday December 1 and will see Wiltshire Police, Swindon Borough Council, Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service, NHS Swindon, South West Ambulance Service, the Probation Service and Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire Community Rehabilitation Company (BGSWCRC) come together under the CSP banner to promote how people can keep safe and help prevent crime during the festive season.

Throughout December and into the New Year, advice and tips will be issued by each of the partner agencies.

The first week of the campaign will focus on road safety and vehicle crime and will culminate on Saturday December 6 with a Road Safety Christmas Community event at Wharf Green, Swindon from 10am to 2pm.

A road safety display will include the Wiltshire Police exhibition van, a crash vehicle that was involved in a drink drive related incident, a drink drive simulator and CSP staff.

Wiltshire Police Superintendent Marion Deegan said: “We really want local residents to enjoy the festive season, however safety is an essential factor for everyone and we want to ensure that we all do what we can to help prevent crime across Wiltshire and Swindon.

“The campaign will highlight a few simple steps that will help people avoid becoming a victim of crime and not have an upsetting and stressful Christmas experience.

"Criminals look out for presents in obvious places such as in cars and under Christmas trees so please keep them out of sight away from windows, don’t give criminals a chance to ruin your Christmas.

"It’s also important that people enjoy the festive season safely. When you’re out and about, ensure that you have sensible plans in place for your journey home in advance, be aware of your valuables, drink responsibly and above all, stay safe.”

Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service Manager, Ian Jeary, said: “The build-up to Christmas is always a concern for us. We have to make sure that shops are safe despite the extra stock, licensed premises are always a lot busier, and the risk of drink-driving is always greater.

“In addition, dangers in the home can include the use of candles, flammable Christmas decorations, not checking smoke alarms and cooking related fires. It’s really important to us that people heed this campaign, as we want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable Christmas.”

Over the coming weeks, Police in Swindon will also be increasing visible patrols both during the day at key retail locations and also at night to help tackle incidents of criminal damage and anti-social behaviour.

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, Angus Macpherson, said: “For many of us, Christmas is a really special time, with families gathering for the celebration and enjoying time together. But sadly it can also be a time when, for some of us, things go badly wrong.

"We can all play our part in preventing the festive season from ending in tears and that is why I am delighted to support this campaign.

“Alcohol combined with heightened expectations about the material side of Christmas can cause pressure to build at home. If tension builds then take a walk and calm down. If you feel you are at risk then remember that organisations such as Swindon Women’s Aid offer free and confidential advice.”