ACT Policing has launched its Safe Summer campaign for 2020, encouraging all Canberrans to party safely, drink responsibly, and look out for their mates as the summer season kicks into gear.
Chief Police Officer (CPO) Neil Gaughan said last year’s Safe Summer campaign saw alcohol-fuelled assaults fall for the second summer in a row.
“While most people know their limits, a great night out can quickly turn sour if you have one too many,” CPO Gaughan said.
“It’s no secret Canberrans love to celebrate over summer and police certainly don’t want to spoil the fun,” he said.
“Preventing most cases of alcohol-related violence and crime comes down to behaving responsibly and stopping minor matters from escalating.”
CPO Gaughan said not only did alcohol and drugs make it harder for people to communicate effectively, but they also impacted people’s ability to reason and make decisions.
“When combined, these factors put you at a greater risk of committing a crime or becoming a victim yourself,” he said.
“COVID-19 will also make this a Christmas like no other so if you are heading out to crowded places this summer, make sure you observe social distancing and obey all health directions so we can keep the ACT COVID-safe.”
CPO Gaughan encourage Canberrans to keep safe over summer by remembering that one drug-related conviction could have a serious effect on a person’s future; people must leave a venue if directed to do so by security or police; and remembering that road safety was everyone responsibility and no one should drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
