How Will You Get Home?

22 December 2012, 07:00 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Police in the North East are asking people to make sure they've got enough money left to get home at the end of a night out.

Officers in Newcastle have dealt with a number of incidents recently where people have taken a taxi ride but not had enough money to pay for their journey home.

Newcastle North Neighbourhood Sergeant Rob Charlton said:
"We know it can be hard on a night out keeping track of your money and it is all too easy to end up with less money in your wallet or purse than you think should be there.

We are asking people to check they have enough money before getting into a taxi and to check with the driver how much their journey is likely to cost.

We also recommend that, if you do find yourself being short of cash at the end of a journey, you do not hand over any valuable items as surety, but rather ask to be taken to a cash point.

When on a night out people should also follow simple personal safety advice. Make plans to get home safely, stick together with friends, keep belongings safe and stash some cash in case purses or wallets get lost.

Newcastle is a safe place and we are committed to ensuring everyone can enjoy the city and its night-life."

Northumbria Police Advice

Think: Keys, money, phone, plans to get home?

Look out for your friends and arrange a safe meeting place in case you get separated.

Store an ICE (In Case of Emergency) number in your phone.

Stash some cash in case you lose your purse or wallet.

Know your limits and always stay in control. Plan how you're getting home.

Capital's been speaking to North East taxi firm Dean Taxis who've given us these helpful tips for getting a taxi home after a night out:
- Always make sure you book a reputable taxi company, and try to book your taxi in advance, before you go out, so that you know exactly where you need to be and when to be collected and taken home safely.

- Always make sure your pick-up point is in a well-lit location, and wherever possible, make sure there are plenty of people around.

- Always make sure that you've got enough money to get home safely, without having to stop off at cash machines on the way. Some companies offer a swipe card payment service in the car, unlike Dean Taxis who offer a Chip & Pin facility.

- Always make sure that the driver identifies you first, before you get into the vehicle. The driver will be provided with all of the information about your journey at the point of booking, so if they don't know your details, then it's possible this isn't your specific driver.

- Always use a company who have vehicles are licensed in the local borough, as they are continually monitored. Some taxis from outside boroughs may not be so stringently regulated. Always check the taxi plate on the rear of the vehicle to ensure that it is regulated by your local council.

- Some companies, like ours, offer a textback service. This sends a message to the customer, advising that your taxi has arrived, whilst also providing details of the vehicle, the registration number, and the driver directly to your mobile phone so that you can make sure you get into a licensed, reputable taxi, with a driver you can trust.