Have fun but don’t pay the Penalty say Lancashire Police

As excitement builds for the FIFA World Cup, Lancashire Police are issuing advice to ensure everyone can enjoy the tournament safely.

They have officially launched their World Cup policing operation aimed at tackling offences such as drink and drug driving, domestic abuse and alcohol-fuelled violence in the night-time economy, all of which can increase during the tournament.

Fans are asked to play their part by planning ahead, drinking responsibly and looking out for each other.

Throughout the tournament there will be NightSafe patrols working in and around busy pubs and clubs and with licensees to provide reassurance and help to prevent and detect violence and sexual offences.

There will also be roadside drink and drug tests taking place with a straight red card for anyone driving under the influence so revellers are urged to public transport, taxis, or arrange a designated driver, and to never take the risk of driving after consuming alcohol or drugs.

And finally, officers will be taking a zero-tolerance approach to domestic abuse and urging victims not to wait until the final whistle to seek help. Support is available from Police and partner agencies who will working together to combat abuse and enforce Domestic Abuse Protection Notices (DAPNs) and Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) where appropriate.

Commenting on the campaign Chief Supt Ian Jones said: “The World Cup is a huge event and thousands of football fans across the county will be making plans to watch their team play and soak up the atmosphere.

“Here in Lancashire, we want everyone to enjoy the tournament safely, so we are asking people to act and drink responsibly and not to spoil the event for others.

“Throughout the competition, there will be additional officers on patrol to provide visibility and reassurance and to ensure that those who want to have a drink, can do so safely.

“We will also be deploying officers to conduct drink and drug drive checks throughout the county in both urban and rural locations so my advice to anyone thinking of getting behind the wheel after consuming drugs or too much alcohol is to think again. Drink and drugs slow your reactions so it will be game over for anyone we catch driving under the influence.

“Finally, we won’t tolerate domestic abuse of any kind. We will have specialist officers working throughout the tournament and beyond to support people. There will be zero tolerance for foul play whether that be violence, sexual abuse or controlling behaviour. I’d advise anyone concerned about the extra pressure that the World Cup might put on their relationships to visit noexcuseforabuse.co.uk for help and advice.”

Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw is backing the extra Police activity.

He said: “Everyone should be able to enjoy the World Cup safely, and I fully support Lancashire Constabulary in their efforts to prevent crime and tackle anyone committing offences or putting others at risk.

“Football should never be an excuse to commit crime, whether that’s violence, drink and drug driving, or domestic abuse. Officers will be out in force to prevent and deal with any issues and keep residents across Lancashire safe.”