With the start of the Easter break, police in Cornwall are warning young people to know their limits when it comes to alcohol.

The number of incidents involving alcohol and violence increases during holiday periods and as people’s alcohol consumption increases their common sense can be left at home.

Licensing sergeant, Martin Worthington, said: “We want everyone to enjoy themselves over Easter and the spring break. Whilst most people drink responsibly, there is a small minority who do not.

“Alcohol can dramatically change someone’s behaviour which can often result in them doing something they may not do when sober. We are asking people to think about the consequences of excessive drinking before they begin their night out.”

Police advice to help people stay safe this holiday season includes:

• Drink responsibly – know when to stop drinking alcohol and to drink water regularly during the evening.

• Always walk away from trouble. Stay in control and prevent your actions leaving you with a criminal record for years to come.

• Plan how to get home before you go out and pre-book a licensed taxi if you will need one at the end of the evening.

Devon and Cornwall Police are proactively promoting safety advice with an age-specific poster campaign, targeting men and women under 25 with the message: ‘Don’t turn a night out into a nightmare’.

For more information on alcohol safety, visit www.devon-cornwall.police.uk If you wish to report a crime, contact the police on 101 or email 101@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk . In the event of an emergency dial 999.

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org