Know your limits (From Warrington Guardian)

Know your limits

WOMEN - know your limits!

That's the message from the police as the Christmas party season gets underway.

Det Ch Insp David Griffin of Cheshire police said: "Alcohol lowers inhibitions and females in particular can find themselves vulnerable to illness, accident or assault when the wine is flowing freely."

Cheshire police want everyone, and women in particular, to drink sensibly.

A police spokesperson said: "We don't want to be knocking on doors to tell your family you have become a victim of an assault, or approach your friends or work colleagues for information concerning the night out to gather evidence for a court case.

"Women can be particularly vulnerable when the revelry turns to drunkenness. All too often young women can let their guard down when under the influence of drink.

"They are less aware of their surroundings and can become unwittingly involved in situations that they may not normally encounter when sober."

Over the past 20 years men's drinking habits have remained the same.

But the amount of women who are drinking has gone up - with younger women adapting the drinking habits of men and getting into binge drinking.

The police say women should:

l know your limitations and stay within them

l look after yourself and keep an eye on your friends

l do not walk alone at night, particularly in dark deserted areas

l arrange your transport home before you go out, that way you can be sure of getting home safely

l do not take drugs

A police spokesperson added: "Be sensible and look after yourself and your friends. Let's celebrate safely and make sure Christmas 2004 is remembered for the right reasons."