AS we approach Christmas, police forces up and down the country will be running various campaigns designed to either raise awareness or educate the public about the types of crimes that we tend to see a rise in during this time of year.

These can include issues such as burglary, with offenders aware that people will be buying high value items as presents and keeping them in the house ready for Christmas Day, or cyber crime, with fraudsters targeting online shoppers with sophisticated scams.

One topic which is a regular problem during the festive season is drink and drug driving.

Once again, in line with the national campaign organised by the National Police Chiefs Council, Wiltshire Police is supporting this initiative throughout December.

Drink and drug driving is one of those crimes which seems so utterly preventable but can have tragic consequences for those affected by it.

To me it seems completely baffling that there are still people who believe it is acceptable to get behind the wheel when unfit to drive through alcohol or drugs.

For decades we have been taught about the risks.

We have all watched the hard-hitting television adverts, read the heart-breaking stories from people whose families have been torn apart, and listened to police officers urging motorists to think before they drive home from the pub.

But still there continues to be a minority of drivers who ignore the warnings and make that selfish decision to put so many lives at risk.

I know that 2020 has been a strange and difficult year. I also know that Christmas is also going to be very different this year.

So, please, let’s do everything we can to ensure a safe and happy end to the year.

Take responsibility for your own actions, but also talk to and look out for your friends and family.

If you know someone who drinks and drives, make sure they understand the potential consequences of their actions.

Book them a taxi if you are worried about them driving, or persuade them to accept a lift home instead. And, if that doesn’t work, report your concerns to the police so we can take action.

We are urging people to call us if they know someone is driving while under the influence of drink or drugs.

If you know someone who regularly drink or drug drives, then please call 101 and give as much information as possible, including the driver’s details or description, their car registration and a time or day that they always do it.

If you believe that a crime is being committed and somebody is already behind the wheel then please call 999.

Make no mistake about it – that phone call could save a life this Christmas.

Finally, I would like to wish all our communities across Swindon and Wiltshire a very Merry Christmas. Thank you for your ongoing support during what has been an unprecedented year for us all.