Police Scotland has launched its annual Festive Safety Campaign to make sure everyone stays happy and safe during the festive season.

They are encouraging people in West Dunbartonshire to keep themselves safe while shopping, partying, at home or on the roads and to make sure criminals aren’t having a merry Christmas at people’s expense.

The police will also be working with licensed premises in West Dunbartonshire to make sure they provide a safe, healthy and well managed environment for people to enjoy the festivities.

Chief Inspector Scott Carlin, area commander for West Dunbartonshire, said: “We want everyone to have a peaceful and safe Christmas and will be working closely with our partners and local communities to keep people safe during the festive period.

“The over-consumption of alcohol is often a contributory factor in violence and disorder, sexual crime, anti-social behaviour and domestic violence and can have an extremely damaging impact on individuals and communities.”

He added: “Help us, help you to keep safe while driving, partying, shopping and at home by following our tips and advice.

Some advice includes:

Shopping safely – When shopping online for Christmas presents it’s important to take a few precautionary steps to keep safe and avoid being targeted by criminals.

Party safety – Make sure to stay with friends, stick to your plans and have travel arranged and be careful what you drink. Don’t leave drinks unattended and stay away from drugs, new psychoactive substances and other controlled substances.

Home safety – Leave a light on when you go out and keep presents and valuables out of sight. Open and close your curtains at appropriate times and don’t post on social media when you are out or on holiday.

Road safety – Make sure your car is ready for the seasonal change in weather. Don’t risk drink driving – if you’re out partying be aware of how much alcohol you’re drinking.

See www.scotland.police.uk/keep-safe/festive-safety