The District Council and partners are joining forces to host a community safety event

The event will be held in Newark Market Place on Saturday 2^nd December from 10am until 12:30pm and is free to attend.

Throughout the morning residents will be able to speak to officers from the Council, the Police and Fire and Rescue about safety advice, in particular advice for staying safe over the festive period.

District Council officers will be at the event to chat to residents about community safety including the annual White Ribbon Campaign which encourages individuals and organisations to help end violence towards women and girls. They will also be offering a range of free safety items including help-line fridge magnets, card defenders, purse bells, handbag holders and personal alarms and torches.

Councillor Paul Taylor, Portfolio Holder or Public Protection and Community Relations said: “I encourage anyone in the Newark area on Saturday 2^nd December to pop by our free event and chat to local officers and ask any questions they may have about safety guidance. We all know that the festive season, whilst very exciting, can be a time of increased safety risk whether it is out and about in the community or in your home, so important to stay updated on recommended precautions.

“It is always fantastic to work alongside our local partners on events such as this, and we are continually working together to improve the safety and security of Newark and Sherwood. I look forward to seeing our partners and residents coming together to create a safer district!”

Officers from the Police will also be attending the event and are hosting a free bike marking session. Residents are invited to bring their bike along to the event and officers will imprint a unique tamper-proof code onto their bicycle and their details will be registered on the Bike Register database along with a photograph, frame number and the owner’s details. If the marked bike were ever to be stolen it can be updated on the system as such, and if the bike is recovered it can be checked against the unique code, which could help identify an offender and ensure the bike is returned to its rightful owner.

Free bicycle lights and children’s reflector packs will also be available.

Michelle Broll, District Prevention Officer for Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Crews from Newark Fire Station will be discussing Christmas fire safety messages and there will be activities to take part in throughout the event, with crews from Green Watch on hand to give out fire safety advice and offer Safe and Well visits throughout the upcoming festive period.”