North West Leicestershire District Council has launched a safety campaign to boost protection over Christmas.

A knife arch to highlight the negative impacts of knife crime, mystery shoppers for underage sales, street wardens patrolling in Coalville and Ashby licensed premises and security staff inspections are all part of the Celebrate Safely campaign to help people enjoy safer nights out over the festive period.

The Safer North West Leicestershire Partnership's Celebrate Safely campaign brings together a number of organisations, including the District Council, Leicestershire County Council, Leicestershire Police, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service.

In a campaign that tackles all elements of safety on a night out, Security Industry Authority (SIA) inspections and licensed premises inspections have been carried out by officers who have checked the credentials and behaviour of door security staff across the district ahead of the busy festive period, while anti-drink spiking prevention devices and drink spiking tests strips have been given to pubs and clubs for their customers.

A new social media campaign promoting Ask Angela and the new SIA campaign to report suspicious behaviour to security will be released over the coming weeks to highlight how customers can seek help.

Coalville councillor Michael Wyatt. Photo: Coalville Nub News

• Spot checks on taxis will be done to make sure they are safe for customers.

• A knife arch - a walkthrough metal detector aimed at combatting knife crime - will be deployed at undisclosed locations during the festive period.

• Newly appointed street wardens will be out patrolling over the festive period, to look after people if they have drunk too much.

 As well as safety on the streets, Leicestershire Police will be carrying out roadside breath tests to ensure safety on the roads.

 Councillor Michael Wyatt, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Climate Change at NWLDC, said: "The Celebrate Safely campaign is about ensuring everyone can enjoy the festive season while feeling secure and protected.

 "Whether it's preventing knife crime, tackling drink spiking, or keeping our streets and taxis safe, we want people to have fun, but also to look after themselves and each other.

 "Please plan your nights ahead and make use of the various schemes such as Ask Angela and Keep Safe Spaces."