Police to crack down on booze-fuelled festive problems

POLICE have launched a Christmas campaign to crack down on drink-related issues over the festive period.

At this time of year around one in every five arrests are for assaults and a significant number of these are drink-related.

Police are aiming to raise awareness of this type of incident to help reduce the number of offences on the run-up to Christmas as well as tackling the number of offences for issues such as criminal damage and public disorder.

The campaign is part of the annual 'Have the Christmas You Deserve' campaign and this year is asking people who live or work in the Avon and Somerset area to think about the Christmas message they want to send this year.

Assistant Chief Constable Anthony Bangham said: "We want people to be sending positive messages to their friends and family at this time of year and enjoying Christmas, not having to phone their loved ones to tell them they've been arrested and spent the night in police custody."

Over the festive period there will be an increased police presence out and about in town and city centres in Avon and Somerset on busy nights as well as a range of other measures, such as specific operations to target drug misuse and patrols of ASB hot spot areas.

Officers will also be visiting bars, pubs, off licences and other venues to issue posters which remind people that a drunken night can have a big impact on the individual, and the people around them, if it leads to violence or disorder.

ACC Bangham said: "The types of offences we are looking to highlight are ones that can be prevented. If we can encourage people to think about the outcomes of irresponsible behaviour and drunkenness and help prevent them from doing something they regret, then it's better for everyone.

"Thankfully the number of offences of all types that we deal with on busy nights is relatively low. However, we would like to see this reduce even further."

Neighbourhood police teams will also be attending shopping events and other daytime activities on the run-up to Christmas to remind residents and visitors about protecting their belongings.

At this time of year, especially when shopping areas are busy and people are out of their normal routine, police are urging people to make sure they secure their belongings when out and about and take a few simple measures to help secure their homes at night or when they are away.

ACC Bangham said: "We want everyone to have a safe and happy Christmas. Our message is to enjoy yourselves but to celebrate responsibly and make sure you spend the festive period with your friends and family and not with the police."

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