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Spike the Hedgehog promotes responsible drinking in Leicester

PCSO Tracey Ward and PC Mehz Patel with Spike (photo courtesy of the Leicester Mercury)
A six foot hedgehog is helping police in Leicester city centre to raise awareness of responsible drinking over the Christmas period.
Spike the hedgehog accompanied officers in the city centre on Friday evening to highlight the dangers of drink spiking. He also handed out plastic bottle stoppers to drinkers to help them protect their drinks.
The hedgehog suit and the drinks stoppers have been funded by the Joint Action Group in Leicester, which is made up of representatives from the police, council, retailers and community.
Inspector Chris Brown, commander of the city centre local policing unit, said: "We are always looking for new ways to grab people's attention and get serious safety messages across. Spike the hedgehog provides a fun way for officers to engage with people of all ages.
"I want to stress that the risk of someone having their drink spiked by a stranger is slim. However, there are always some people who think it's funny to add alcohol to a friend's drink, without considering the potential consequences of this.
"Spike the hedgehog is just one of many ways in which we are raising awareness of responsible drinking over the festive period."
As part of Leicestershire Constabulary's ‘Night out of Nightmare' Christmas campaign, posters and flyers warning of the consequences of alcohol-related violence have been distributed to pubs and clubs. Adverts encouraging responsible drinking have also been placed on black cabs in the city centre and a 25-foot advertising trailer which toured the city on Friday and Saturday nights in the run up to Christmas.
Latest News
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Appeal following assault of two teenage boys in Groby | |
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Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall | |
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Free home security devices for elderly residents in Eyres Monsell | |
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Warning after distraction burglars claim to be police officers | |
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Keep a lid on your bottle | |
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Police in Leicester city centre have something to shout about | |
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Relevant News
Alcohol crackdown | |
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Police in Leicester city centre have something to shout about | |
![]() | Oyez! Oyez! Oyez! Police in Leicester city centre have enlisted the services of the town crier to help get crime prevention messages across to Christmas shoppers. Officers came up with the idea after an increase in the number of purse thefts in the city centre in recent weeks. As well as reminding shoppers to secure their purses and handbags, the town crier will offer other festive crime prevention messages relating to drink driving, vehicle security and personal safety while on a night out.... 20 Dec 2008 Police in Leicester city centre have something to shout about |
Off licenses in Melton Mowbray are tested in run up to Christmas | |
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Police team up with paramedics in Leicester city centre | |
![]() | Police are teaming up with paramedics to offer a joint response to reports of assaults and requests for medical assistance in Leicester city centre on Friday and Saturday nights. The initiative, which starts on Friday December 19, will see a police officer working alongside a paramedic in a marked East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) Fast Response Vehicle.... 20 Dec 2008 Police team up with paramedics in Leicester city centre |
Most Read News (today)
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Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity | |
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Most Read News (this month)
NEW SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCED IN MEMORY OF OUTSTANDING MATHEMATICIAN | |
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Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity | |
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Most Read News (alltime)
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