EXTRA police and special constables will be on patrol in York and around the county tonight to ensure revellers and partygoers stay safe.

Tonight is expected to be one of the busiest of the year at pubs, bars and clubs around the region, as well as for the emergency services, who have urged residents to take extra care if going out for New Year’s Eve.

Chief Superintendent Sue Day from North Yorkshire Police said: “While the majority of people act responsibly and never need to contact us, there is a minority of people who drink far too much and spoil the fun for others.

“Please also remember that not everyone can or wants to party until the early hours, so please respect other people’s privacy and keep noise levels down. Make sure you and your friends stay safe, stick together and ensure you have planned how you are getting home.”

Chief Supt Day also urged residents and revellers to only call 999 in case of an emergency, and to ensure the roads are as safe as possible by arranging transport before going out.

She said: “If you do need to call us, we will be there for genuine callers and emergencies, but please do not clog our lines with inappropriate calls such as asking us to arrange a taxi or to find out when to put the bins out.

“You could be putting someone’s life at risk who is in genuine need.

“Don’t risk your future by drinking and driving, make sure you have arranged a taxi or lift home or appointed a designated driver. We will be out and about and hope that the only time we meet you is to wish you a Happy New Year.”

Last year, North Yorkshire Police arrested 83 people on New Year’s Eve, filling their cells. Of the arrests, 28 were in York, 22 in Scarborough, 11 in Harrogate and ten in Selby, and police also saw a large surge in the number of calls to their control room on New Year’s Day.

Police urge people out celebrating to stay with their friends and ensure everyone gets home safely, and not to walk home alone.


Useful phone numbers

• Police fire and ambulance emergency 999

• North Yorkshire Police non-emergency number 101

• Bridge House - North Yorkshire’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre 01904 669339

• Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS) 03000 110110

• 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000247

• Samaritans 08457 909090 North Yorkshire County Council 0845 2411307

City of York Council 01904 551550