REVELLERS are being warned to know their limits this New Year.

Police are telling partygoers that waking up as a victim of crime, injured or facing prosecution for anti-social behaviour is not the best way to start 2008.

As part of Operation Shepherd, police are urging people to take extra care when enjoying nights out in town and city centres.

They are also relaunching the Nightsafe initiative, which asks people to drink sensibly and to make sure their actions don't have a negative affect on them or other people.

Police are also urging town centre revellers to try and be careful not to get themselves involved in arguments and disagreements with people, as when drunk these kind of situations frequently become confrontational.

The advice for people who find themselves in this situation is to walk away.

Assistant Chief Constable Wendy Walker said "The aim of Operation Shepherd is to reassure the community and offer safety advice but also by introducing Nightsafe we can warn people about the dangers of drinking far too much and the impact that can have on them as individuals and also people around them."

She added: "We want everyone to have a really good time but people must remember that their actions can have a serious affect on others.

"People need to act responsibly and take care.

"Disorderly behaviour is not acceptable and I would like to reassure others that action will be taken."

Police issued the following advice: l Stick to the well-lit areas in the town centres and never take short cuts down alleyways or across waste land.

l If you have arranged to meet someone, let them know if your plans change or if you are going to be delayed.

l If you go out as a group - stay as a group. Never let anyone wander off home on their own, particularly if they have been drinking.

l Make sure people get home safe and sound - that is after all what friends are for.

l Always carry a taxi number with you - store a number in your mobile phone so that it is always handy.

lTake care of your belongings when you are out - only carry enough money with you for the evening and leave items you don't need with you at home.

l Carry a personal attack alarm with you, but keep it handy in a pocket l Take particular care of wallets, purses, mobile phones and handbags. Keep them with you at all times - don't leave them on the table or bar.

l Use an official cloakroom - don't leave coats and jackets unattended and never leave property in the pockets.

l If you need to use a cash machine in the evening time, be aware of who is around you and always try to have someone with you - never give your cash card and number to anyone else.

l Watch your drink being poured and don't leave it unattended. Be cautious about strangers buying you drinks.

l At the end of the evening take either a taxi or have a nominated driver who has been drinking soft drinks all night.