WELCOME back to Safe and Sound, Wyre Forest Community Safety Partnership’s monthly column for August. Here at the partnership, we would like to remind Wyre Forest residents to remember to remove items from show in their cars when they leave them unattended.

Please close the sunroof and windows and lock all the doors. We are still getting reports of cars being broken into because items – which may not seem that desirable to the owner, but are tempting to an opportunist thief – are clearly visible.

This can mean broken windows or damage to canvas soft tops (cabriolet), a huge inconvenience and expense to any car owner. We’d also like to make people aware of a couple of reports of car number plates being stolen in the area. Please be extra vigilant and careful about where you leave your car parked.

The Bank Holiday weekend is coming up and summer evenings are perfect for socialising and being out with friends.

More leisure hours often mean longer drinking time and in some instances, can lead to anti-social behaviour after drinking excess alcohol.

If individuals drink too much alcohol, they are more at risk of becoming a victim of violence, sexual attack, road accidents and problems with the law, as well as social embarrassment.

Here are some tips for safer drinking:- l Walk away from trouble, fights ruin everyone’s night. You could get seriously injured as well as getting banned from every pub and club in town.

l Alternate alcohol with a soft drink.

l Don’t put yourself at risk by going home with a stranger.

l Glasses and bottles can be used in fights – don’t take them outside pubs and clubs.

l Hold on to your drink to avoid it being spiked.

l Don’t mix your drinks.

l Check your taxi is licensed – better still, book one in advance.

l Carry photo ID – you’ll need it if you look under 21.

l Don’t ever drink and drive.

Keeping all that in mind, please don’t forget to have a great, safe Bank Holiday weekend!

HELEN DYKE Chairman