Postcard calls for safe merry Christmas

Visitors arriving in Manchester to enjoy the Christmas festivities will be given postcards offering advice about staying safe.

The postcards, aimed at the hundreds of thousands of people who come to Manchester city centre to visit the Christmas markets and other attractions, give advice to visitors about staying safe.

The 20,000 postcards, which will be placed in hotels, bars and in the Visit Manchester advice centre in Piccadilly Gardens, urge visitors to:

Be aware of what's going on around them while at the shops.
Take valuables out of sight and take care at cash machines.
Stay with friends and keep to busy areas during nights out.
Pace drinks and plan a safe journey home.
Use a secure car park.
Don't leave valuables in the car and remove any sat nav suction marks.

Councillor Jim Battle, Manchester City Council's deputy leader, said: "Manchester is a brilliant place to celebrate Christmas and thousands of people come here every year to enjoy our attractions.

"However, the usual common sense rules for keeping safe still apply. We're working closely with the police to make sure our visitors, who come to the city from across Britain, Europe and further afield, have a safe and enjoyable time here."

Insp Darren Kershaw said: "Manchester is a safe place to visit and shop and by following a few crime prevention tips people can help reduce their chances of becoming a victim of crime. These postcards are simple way of reminding people to look after their valuables and giving shoppers personal safety advice to ensure people have a safe and enjoyable Christmas period."

For further advice call the neighbourhood policing team on 0161 856 3221 or visit http://www.gmp.police.uk/ or http://www.makingmanchestersafer.com/.