With the end of the school year quickly approaching, graduating students are looking forward to prom night and the after prom party. The South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police is asking the graduates to keep safety in mind as they plan their big night.

After prom parties typically include alcohol and/or drugs which can lead to situations where teens expose themselves to unnecessary risks, both legal and health related. Youth who drink alcohol are at a higher risk of harm compared to adults.

The South Bruce OPP wants all parents and caregivers to be aware of after prom risks, particularly for hosting after-prom parties. Property owners need to be aware of their civil liability for anyone that gets injured on their property. Assaults, sexual assaults, thefts, mischief and noise complaints are examples of after prom party calls that police respond to.

Graduating students deserve to enjoy their big night and that includes planning for a safe ride home; impaired driving, by alcohol or drug, is not an option.

Further information and tips on how to host a safe grad party can be found at www.safegrad.com and www.madd.ca.

The South Bruce OPP is requesting anyone with information that can assist police to call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

source: media release, South Bruce OPP