Extra police officers in town centers this weekend
With this weekend expected to be the busiest of the year, extra police officers will be on the streets in town centres to help ensure revellers stay safe and enjoy themselves.
This is part of the force's annual Christmas Presence campaign which aims to tackle problems of alcohol related violence on the streets over the Christmas period.
Almost 37% of violent crime in the West Mercia policing area is alcohol related and with extra people our celebrating in the run up to Christmas, officers are issuing a warning to anyone intent on causing trouble that they will not be welcome on the streets this weekend.
Detective Chief Inspector Jennie Mattinson said: “Alcohol related violent crime traditionally goes up over the Christmas period. The vast majority of people can go out, have a few drinks and enjoy themselves. It is the minority that don’t know how to behave when they are drunk that ruin it for everyone else and it will be these people we will be targeting this weekend with increased patrols in the region.
“Being drunk is no excuse for becoming involved in violent crime. People need to take responsibility for their behaviour when they are drunk. People who can’t behave themselves know who they are and they can get help if they can’t change their drinking habits on their own.”
