Police to hand out flip flops to clubbers in Bognor
Flips flops are to be handed to clubbers in Bognor Regis from this weekend.
The free footwear is included in 500 goodie bags which police officers will distribute to young women who have enjoyed themselves at venues such as Club Vision on the pier and the Mud Club opposite.
The distribution will take place on weekends until the bags run out. The bags will also contain bottles of water, lollipops and condoms.
Male clubbers will receive 500 bags without the flip flops.
Included in the bags as well will be tips on how to stay safe, information on units of alcohol, safe sex and a hard-hitting reminder of the dangers of drink-driving. The package will be branded with the Know Your Limits logo as part of a national initiative to reduce excessive alcohol drinking.
Inspector John Merrick, of Bognor Regis police station, said: "The flip flops might seem a stupid idea. But they have been really welcomed by girls elsewhere when they totter out of clubs on their high heels after having one Babycham too many.
"They are not just a gimmick. We are really trying to promote safe drinking and make clubbers aware of the hazards and dangers after a late night out.
"They are in a vulnerable situation at that time and we want to try to prevent violent crime, in particular, and violent sexual assaults on the females."
Rose Green resident Julia Nash (25), who visits Club Vision and the Mud Club most months, said: "I think this is a good idea. There are a lot of girls who do come out of clubs and fall over, especially if it's icy in winter.
"I've done it myself. Many times, I've taken off my shoes and hobbled around barefoot, though not in winter."
The bags cost 88p for the male version and 1.89 for the female version.
"I consider that to be money well spent," said Insp Merrick.
"If we can prevent one person being arrested or suffering an injury, then we will have saved the cost of the bags many times over."
Holly Margetts, the West Sussex violent crime reduction officer for Sussex Police, said a report had put the average cost of transporting a patient to A&E for a paramedic unit at 337.
"The Know Your Limits bags are a cost-effective measure aimed at preventing people being hurt or having accidents, or other health risks associated with excess alcohol consumption, as well as reducing the number of incidents of drunken disorder in public places, which may lead to arrests and fines," she added.
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Weather for Chichester
Monday 28 May 2012
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Temperature: 13 C to 20 C
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