THE party season has arrived — but police are warning females who let their hair down not to let their guard down this Christmas.

Operation Focus, was launched this week across Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale to reduce the number of sexual assaults which are drink and drug-related.

And the girls of Burnley are welcoming the campaign, saying they have felt “scared” when out in bars and clubs late at night.

The month of December brings festive cheer to all as the party season gets underway but shop assistant Zoe Taggart, revealed it’s not all fun and games.

The 28-year-old, from Burnley, said: “There was a lad a few years ago in Burnley who went to prison for raping girls, saying he was a bouncer.

"It made me scared to go out and now I don’t really go out without my boyfriend. We always meet up and go home together.

“I feel much safer on a night out in a mixed group of couples than just a gang of girls.

"I think you can feel quite intimidated if you go somewhere you’re not familiar with.

"There are lots of big groups of lads who go out in Burnley and you have to make sure you’re not so drunk that you are being aware of your surroundings.

"It can get quite aggressive sometimes when everyone’s had a lot to drink. I’m always a bit nervous.”

Emma Hill, 26 warned younger women not to be naive on nights out.

The insurance worker, of Clegg Street, Nelson, said: “I think you get a bit wiser the older you get.

"Now I’m more wary of people and have my wits about me when I’m out with friends in town.

"Looking back, it scares me how careless we used to be about sticking together and getting home and stuff.

"I think younger girls need to be less naive.”

Receptionist Lucy Masanka said she felt safer in her local pubs after incidents in which her friends' drinks were spiked.

The 23-year-old, of Coultate Street, Burnley said: “I know two friends who got their drinks spiked so you do have to be careful, it’s quite scary.

"We always stick together when we go out, which is about once a month.

"But we tend to stick to our local pubs now. It’s cheaper and you feel safer.”

Laura Johnson, 19, of Fifth Avenue, Burnley agreed.

She said: “We tend to stick to where we know.

"I go to my locals, stay in my comfort zone and I’m careful with what I drink.

"If I’ve reached my limit I go on Coca-Cola. You can never be too careful.”

Andrea Birkett, 20, of Alma Avenue, Foulridge, added: “We always go out in a group of about 10 and just keep ourselves to ourselves.

"We have a local taxi firm to use for the end of the night and we always ring them to come and pick us up.

"I’d never get a taxi on my own. It’s too dangerous.”

The police campaign will involve the distribution of posters around town centres pubs and clubs, and various venues will play a informative DVD.

Partygoers will also be reminded of the existing retreat and recovery centre, in Hammerton Street, which provides advice and emergency treatment for revellers.

Officers are appealing to women going to Christmas parties to drink responsibly to reduce the chances of becoming easy prey for rapists.

DI Martin Melvin of Burnley CID said: “Our advice is stick to safe drinking limits, steer clear of drugs and look after yourself and your friends.”