"WE are looking out for you and we will take action," say West Mercia Police as it launches Operation Christmas Presence in an effort to tackle alcohol-related crime over the festive period.

This annual operation sees extra officers on duty to help keep people safe on some of the busiest nights of the year in town centres around the region.

Figures released by police show 37 per cent of all violent crime in the region is alcohol related, based on data for 2017.

With extra people out 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 county’s streets over the festive period.

Extra officers will be on duty from Friday, December 15 to Saturday, December 16, and then again from Friday, December 22 to Sunday, December 24, and Sunday, December 31.

Between December 16, 2016 and January 1, 2017, 188 special constables worked a total of more than 2,860 hours, dealing with arrests, road collisions, drink drive investigations and domestic incidents, among other issues.

Of the 188 volunteers, five each worked more than 50 hours over this period, and 11 performed between 30 and 49 hours each.

Superintendent Paul Moxley said: “From previous experience, we know which nights are likely to be the busiest over the festive period and we will have extra officers on duty to help keep people safe.

“This is not just officers on the streets; we will also have extra officers in the custody block and in CID.

“Most people can go out, have a few drinks and enjoy themselves without causing any trouble. It is the minority who cause trouble and our message to these people is: ‘we are looking out for you and we will take action.’

“Being drunk is no defence for becoming involved in violent crime or disorder. When it comes to drinking alcohol, people need take responsibility for their actions and know their limits. Don’t get a criminal record and ruin your future prospects through something you do while you’re drunk.”