Guardian angels brace themselves for ‘Mad Friday’

Emergency services are warning partygoers across Greater Manchester to drink responsibly and stay safe during what they are expecting to be the busiest weekend of the festive season.

The police will be working to tackle violence, irresponsible drinking, anti-social behaviour and domestic abuse. Whilst the other emergency services and partners will be tackling the issues that affect them at this time of year as a result of people drinking too much alcohol.

Mad Friday will see more police officers than usual out on the streets to offer reassurance to the many people out socialising over the festive period.

Officers from the Specialist Operations Branch, CCTV, ANPR, transport inspectors, and special constables are just a few of the additional resources that are being brought in to supplement local officers policing city centre hotspots throughout the weekend.

Inspector Darren Kershaw said: "Victims of alcohol-related crime become more vulnerable or make wrong decisions when they have had too much to drink.

"It is also important to be aware that some people take advantage of others who have been drinking alcohol. However, by remembering a few easy steps to look after each other, plan a safe route home, have a soft drink in-between alcoholic drinks and stay with friends, people will reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime or violence."

The operation will include Gateway checks on the Metrolink and bus system in the City Centre. This is to reduce crime on public transport during this busy Christmas period by providing a public reassurance and presence.

Michael Renshaw, Transport for Greater Manchester’s Bus and Rail Director, said: “This initiative shows our on-going commitment to providing a safe and secure public transport service for everyone, working in partnership with the police, Manchester City Council, Metrolink and bus operators, including First Manchester and Stagecoach Manchester.”

Councillor Jim Battle, Manchester City Council’s deputy leader, said: “Thousands of people will come into the city centre over the next few days to enjoy the bars, clubs and restaurants on offer.

“I’d like to wish them all a happy and safe Christmas but urge them not to ignore the usual common sense advice to make sure they have a night out to remember for all the right reasons.”

NWAS Director of Emergency Services, Derek Cartwright said: “We are not trying to put a dampener on the festive season, we are simply asking that party goers take a sensible and moderate approach. This is one of the busiest nights of what is already a challenging time of the year for the ambulance service. We respond to many alcohol related calls, many of which can be avoided.

“In genuine life-threatening emergencies, time matters. If people stop and think about drink this Christmas and take a sensible approach, they can play their part in ensuring ambulance crews are free to attend to vulnerable and very poorly people.”

The guardian angels are offering the following advice to people who may be planning a night out over Christmas: 

• Pace your drinks
• Stay with friends
• Plan how you intend to get home safely
• If you opt to use a taxi, take one you can trust
• Don’t ruin it for others