Health experts are reminding partygoers to drink plenty of water, to eat well and to avoid taking unnecessary risks when it comes to alcohol and illegal drugs.

Suzy Calderfrom the Highland Drug and Alcohol Action Team said:

“It was very sad that there was a drugs death at the event last year.

“This year we’re keen to help people stay safe by reminding them that a carnival atmosphere does not reduce the risks associated with taking illicit drugs.

“Last year we saw some people overindulge and end up in the field hospital, missing the event completely.

“We would urge anyone attending Rockness not to dabble, and remind them that if they simply cannot say no then they should at least let a close and reliable friend know what they’ve taken so that if they do need medical help we have a clear picture of what’s going on.

“It’s also worth pointing out that you have no idea what you’re buying or exposing yourself to when it comes to drugs. Powders are easily mixed with a variety of cheap hazardous substances which could cause your body untold harm.

“We want people going to the festival to enjoy themselves but we would urge them not to overindulge as the consequences could prove fatal. Rockness is a much loved event so why risk your health and your life? You can have fun and party safely.

“If you or your friends have taken something and start to feel unwell please seek medical help immediately. Time is critical. Taking drugs affects you in many ways: your vision may be impaired, your senses are heightened and numbed at the same time so you might expose yourself to other harm by losing your inhibitions or risking your personal safety.”

“We’ve adopted a multi-agency approach this year (partnership with NHS Highland, Northern Constabulary, Scottish Ambulance Service, Red Cross, Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service) to help keep people as safe as possible. We’ve been pooling resources to offer free bottled water, contraception, torches and wet wipes throughout the three day period.”

Event Crime Co-ordinator, Detective Inspector John Patience added:

“We will, as we have in previous years be taking a robust stance on anyone taking drugs to Rockness.

“This year we are providing those bringing drugs the offer to give them up at the entrance to amnesty bins without facing any repercussions.

“A pro-active, intelligence led approach will again be taken to drug dealing at the festival and those caught could face a lengthy prison sentence.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

For further information please call NHS Highland Communications Officer Jo Young on 01463 704774
or Lynsey Clark, Northern Constabulary Media & Marketing Officer on 01463 720397.

Suzy Calder, Substance Misuse Strategy and Implementation Manager from Highland Drug and Alcohol Action Team (HDAAT) supported the partnership working:
“Rockness 2009 has provided a platform for all multi-agency partners to promote the health, safety and wellbeing of the festival goers.

“In previous years HDAAT have been involved in awareness raising regarding drug and alcohol issues. The cohesive partnership working this year has allowed us to deliver our safety messages as part of a bigger picture which encompasses all aspects of the festival.

“Whilst we encourage all those attending to keep themselves safe, we obviously want them to enjoy themselves and make it a memorable weekend for all the right reasons.”

NHS Highland’s Harm Reduction Co-ordinator John Glenday said:

“Rockness is a real opportunity for people to have a lot of fun and to enjoy their favourite music. In the spirit of that I would urge festival goers to take on board the health messages that we have issued, about drugs, alcohol and safe sex, to make sure that they get the most out of their time at the event.

“It’s vital that people remember that they need to eat, to drink water and to make sure that they maximise their fun by dressing appropriately for the weather and applying sunscreen if necessary. Taking an extra few minutes to get ready for Rockness can be the difference between a real party and a total disaster. Personal responsibility is key but to help kickstart this our multi-agency approach has enabled us to provide some free bottled water, water bottles, mini torches, wet wipes, ponchos, condoms and other protection.”

Iain MacKay, Resilience Advisor for the Scottish Ambulance Service added:
” I speak for the British Red Cross and the Scottish Ambulance Service when I say that there are little things that those attending can do to avoid illness and ensure they receive the best medical care if required.

“For example, bringing sufficient prescribed medication and letting your friends know of any medical condition you have can help enormously if you become ill at the event.”

Scott Hay, Area Manager for Community Risk Management section of HIFRS stated:
“Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service is pleased to be part of a multi-agency partnership approach to this year’s event.

“From a Fire and Rescue Service perspective, we would encourage all those who attend the event to make themselves aware of all on-site fire safety messages and to take care with smoking materials, and when cooking.

“For those planning to cook or use naked flames, for safety reasons you must use the designated cooking areas only and for any outbreak of fire call 999 and notify the event security/fire wardens immediately. We hope that all those who attend enjoy the event and remain safe.”

John Lee, Area Environmental Health Manager, commented:
“The Highland Council has liaised closely with the organisers and other partner agencies in all aspects of this year’s event and we look forward to building on previous successes by ensuring a safe, healthy and enjoyable weekend for all.”

One of the improvements the partners have made, in conjunction with the organisers, is the ability to communicate important and useful information through the use of a large screen facing into the campsite area.

Festival goers will be able to view the day’s weather forecast so they can take appropriate measures, as well as having useful tips to help them stay healthy and safe.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Andy Cowie commented:

“Every year we take points from previous festivals and events around the country to improve the provision of services.

“We want this to be a safe and secure event for festival goers but everyone must take a level of responsibility themselves. Taking simple measures such as looking after your property can make a big difference to your weekend.

“I would also like to encourage anyone who witnesses or suspects criminal activity, such as drug dealing, to report it to the nearest Police Officer.”

Police this year are welcoming feedback from festival goers and have set up a dedicated email for anyone wishing to comment on the Policing at the event feedback@northern.pnn.police.uk.

Ends

For any further information please contact Northern Constabulary on 01463 720397 or NHS Highland on 01463 704774.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

Partners involves in the multi-agency group include: Highland Drug and Alcohol Action Team, NHS Highland, Scottish Ambulance Service, British Red Cross, Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service, Northern Constabulary and Highland Council.

2008 is no exception and Major Stores, Shops, Pubs, Clubs, Theatre, Cinema, Hotel and Visitor Attractions are making every effort to put an attractive package together to ensure an enjoyable experience to suit most tastes.

Northern Constabulary, Inverness Crime Prevention Panel, Crimestoppers, Street Pastors, Highland Council and other groups are working together to ensure as safe an environment as possible exists during this period and as an ongoing operation under the “Respect” umbrella.

With the Christmas holiday season almost upon us, now is a good time to remind people to take steps to make sure criminals don’t spoil your Christmas.

Criminals take the opportunities afforded them by the extra shopping we do, the hustle and bustle of town centres as we rush around, and the value of the goods we buy as presents and store in our homes until the big day.

We might also be more trusting and generous at Christmas when requests for charity are made, giving the unscrupulous a chance to collect for their own causes.

Jim Ferguson – Chair of the Inverness Crime Prevention Panel
talks with the Police out in the City at night.

Commenting on the Winter Festival arrangements, Inverness Area Police Commander, Chief Inspector Julian Innes said:

“I am really pleased that all the partners in Inverness are working together to make Inverness safer and more enjoyable over the winter festival period. Extra Police officers will be on patrol to deter anti social behaviour but for those that chose to commit crime and spoil the enjoyment of others then the message is clear in that it will not be tolerated and policing will be robust.”

Inverness Area Command

Inverness City is the urban centre of Northern Constabulary’s Force area.
The Area Command is responsible for Policing not only the city, but many of the outlying areas such as Beauly, Drumnadrochit and Fort Augustus to name but a few.

So what can we do?

Inverness Crime Prevention Panel has applied normal crime prevention advice to Christmas.

The information below is often common sense, but you might overlook it in your haste to get everything ready.

Out on the town

With office parties and general Christmas celebrations, pubs, restaurants and other venues are often crowded.

> Don’t leave bags over the back of your chair and keep wallets and purses close to your body to make it more difficult for the pickpocket.
> Busy places make it easier for the sneak thief, so be alert at all times
> Make prior arrangements as to how you will get home.
> Avoid any potential disturbances on the street. Stay with friends if you can.
> Make sure someone knows where you are going and what time you will be back.
> Don’t drink too much – you could become a target for thieves.
> Take precautions against Drink spiking – Keep your glass with you, never leaving it unattended and keep it covered.

Some general points:

You will be safest in bright, well-lit and busy areas.

> Try to look and act confident – look like you know where you are going and walk tall.

> You might like to spread your valuables around your body.
> For example, keep your phone in your bag, your house keys in your trouser pocket and your money in your jacket.

> Try not to be conspicuous about the valuables you are carrying.
> Talking on your mobile phone, carrying a laptop, or showing your friend your new gold ring all show thieves that you are worth robbing.

> When out walking or jogging, you should not listen to a personal stereo through headphones, so you can stay more alert to your surroundings.

Mobile phones

If your phone is stolen, report your number to your network and the police
The handset can now be barred on all networks and will be useless to thieves.

> Register your phone with your network operator.

> Record your registration number (IMEI) and your phone number.
> Keep these in a safe place separate from your phone.
> You can get your IMEI number (15-digit serial number) by keying *#06# into most phones or by looking behind your phone battery.

> Report the number of your stolen phone to your network operator and the police as quickly as you can. It can now be cancelled immediately like a stolen credit card.

> Stay alert your phone is a valuable item. When you are out, be aware of your surroundings and don’t use your phone in crowded areas or where you might feel unsafe.

Credit cards

> Keep your cards separate from your cheque books.

> If your cards are stolen, call your bank or credit card company as soon as possible. > Most banks put the number to call if your cards are stolen on your statement.
They are also often shown on cash machines.

Following the general guidelines for personal safety will help you avoid situations where people may rob you.

Personal Safety: Transport

This section offers some general tips on how to keep yourself safe and secure when you’re making a journey either catching a bus or taxi, or when you’re in the car.

Public transport

As with everything, you are safest where there are other people, and where it is light or well lit.

> Plan your route.

> Try to wait in busy or well-lit areas.

> Sit near other people, the driver if you are on a bus, or near the conductor if you are on a train.

Move if someone makes you feel uncomfortable.

Out Shopping

When the shops are crowded, the pickpocket has more chance to steal from you.

> If you can’t arrange to shop during less busy times, make sure you stay alert and be extra careful with your wallet or purse.
> If you have too many bags you will be too busy trying to hold on to these to be aware of anyone stealing from you.
> You could try to make smaller shopping trips rather than do it all at once and carry too much
> Have your purse/wallet close to your body and don’t carry too much cash.
> The same applies to travelling on crowded buses or trains.
> If you travel by car, make sure you park in a well- lit area, lock all doors and windows and do not leave presents in view.
> Try not to return to your car to leave purchases in the boot before continuing with your shopping trip as thieves may well watch car parks for just such a chance.
> Arrange to collect heavy items from stores when you have finished all your shopping.
> Keep your chequebook and cheque card separately.

At Home

Having bought all those wonderful presents, don’t make it easy for someone to steal from your home.
> Keep them out of sight until last thing on Christmas Eve and if you ‘hide’ or store larger items such as bicycles in the shed or outbuildings, make sure they are very secure.
> Now is a good time to check that you know what you have both normally (TV, Video etc) and with the extra presents you have bought.
> You may well find you need to check your insurance to make sure you are covered for the value of goods in your home.
> Take the frame numbers of new cycles and the serial numbers of new electrical equipment for future reference.
> Remember, empty boxes left outside advertise that you have new goods inside – dispose of packing carefully.

> If you go out for the evening – make it look like someone is at home by turning on lights and the radio.
> Don’t leave curtains open so people can see your decorations as potential thieves can see in.
> Be extra careful about locking doors and windows.
> As a fire precaution, don’t leave Christmas lights on in the house whilst you are out.

> If you go away for the holiday period – use an automatic timer for lights and ask a trusted neighbour to watch your home.
> Don’t forget to cancel newspapers and milk if you have them delivered and either redirect your mail through the Post Office or have your neighbour take mail into the house – unopened Christmas cards and mail are a sure sign that a house is empty.

Strangers at the door

> Genuine delivery personnel usually have uniforms and liveried vehicles and should not need to come into your home.
> Charity collectors will have identification and will not be offended if you ask to see it.
> If you are not sure but want to make a donation, ask whether these can be made in other ways, perhaps through a bank – check with your bank before making any payments through the banking system.

Driving

Please do not drink and drive – to do so risks your own life and others and incurs heavy penalties, possibly prison and financially.

General Safety in your car

> Keep your car in good condition and try not to run out of petrol.

> Keep doors locked when driving and keep bags, phones and other valuables out of sight, preferably in the boot.

> Try to park in well-lit or busy areas, and if you park during the day, think about what the area will feel like after dark.

> Do not give lifts to or accept lifts with people you do not know, or do not know well.

> Do not drive if you have been drinking or taking drugs, and do not take a lift from someone who has.

> You may feel more comfortable carrying a mobile phone with you. Try to keep it out of sight, and do not use it while drivingThe Inverness Winter Festival started on 20^th November and will continue until 1^st January.

Inverness Crime Prevention Panel in co-operation with Police, Highland Council, Street Pastors and Crimestoppers wish everyone a very happy festive period.

Finally, anyone with information about any criminal activity is asked to contact Crimestoppers.

The service is designed with confidentiality in mind and information about crime can be given anonymously

Call Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111

Crimestoppers are a Registered Charity.

Have Fun, Be Safe, and please Respect each other during this festive season and at all other times.

Jim Ferguson
Chair - Inverness Crime Prevention Panel
Chair – Crimestoppers Highlands