AS pubs and clubs prepare for the busiest weekend of the year, officers from West Mercia Police have warned festive revellers about the dangers of 'preloading' on alcohol before they go out.

Preloading is when people drinking alcohol on private premises before they going for a night out.

It has become popular and as many as 27 percent of women and 15 percent of men admit to drinking alcohol before going out.

Research shows people who preload are more likely to become involved in violent crime or injure themselves and officers are urging people to think twice about the consequence of drinking before they go for a night out.

Chief Inspector David Gardner said: "A study has shown that people who preload are two-and-a-half times more likely to become involved in violence, either as an offender or victim, on a night out.

"What’s more, another study has shown that it does nothing to save you money because you end up drinking just as much while out as you would have done had you not already been drinking."

Extra officers will be on the streets this weekend to help ensure people have a good time and stay safe. Chief Inspector Gardner added: "We want people to go out and have a good time but to consider their limits and take responsibility for their actions. Before you preload consider the potential consequence for yourself and your friends."