Police launch video campaign to highlight how people who have been drinking can end up in trouble.

A video campaign has been launched across Devon and Cornwall to remind people not to leave their brain at home when they go out drinking.

The ‘Don’t leave your brain at home’ campaign includes a light-hearted video showing a young man going out for a drink. A sequence of events follow which lands him in trouble with the police. The end of the video depicts the ‘brain’ character alone at home, lamenting about his owners drunken actions.

The campaign has been produced by Devon & Cornwall Police in partnership with Plymouth Community Safety Partnership. It hopes to raise awareness of the possible consequences of getting into trouble during a night out of excessive drinking. Sgt Martin Worthington said: “Few of us leave home intending to get into trouble on a night out; however by not taking responsibility for our own actions sadly too many people end up getting into trouble.”

By using video and social-networking channels, the campaign hopes to reach people before they begin drinking. “We are not telling people not to drink, but to consider the consequences of their actions when they drink.” Added Sgt Worthington.

Mike Jarman, Specialist Commissioner Public Health, said: “Although some young adults might acknowledge some negative consequences from excessive drinking, they tend to ignore these in favour of the social benefits they believe alcohol provides and a belief that drinking is an integral part of being young and that binge drinking a social norm.”

The campaign hopes to encourage people to think about adopting safer drinking behaviours, avoiding any short-term embarrassing outcomes linked to drinking and potentially more serious longer-term outcomes linked to health.

There is a dedicated campaign website www.DontLeaveYourBrainAtHome.com which displays the video and provides useful information, facts about tips about sensible drinking.

The campaign will be supported by traditional and online marketing channels including YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.

A second video is planned for later in the year.