A CAMPAIGN to raise awareness around the types of crime associated with the festive period is being launched this weekend by West Mercia Police.

Starting on Sunday (December 14), The 12 Days of Christmas campaign will focus on a different crime each day, while offering advice to help people avoid becoming a victim.

Types of crime covered will include alcohol related violent crime, house burglary, domestic abuse and cyber crime.

Superintendent David Gardner said: “Christmas is a happy time for most people but unfortunately it does offer additional opportunities for people to commit crime.

“We want as many people as possible to have a happy Christmas and this means targeting people who are intent on ruining the festive season for others and making them aware of the consequences of their behaviour.

“It is also important that people take steps to avoid falling victim to crime over Christmas and this campaign will also focus on some simple precautions they can take.”

Police have said that special patrols will be in place to tackle crime this Christmas, most notably as part of Operation Christmas Presence which will see additional officers on the street to combat alcohol related crime in town centres on busy nights.

Superintendent Gardner said: “Pubs and clubs will have some of their busiest nights of the year in the run up to Christmas and New Year.

“Most people can go out, have a few drinks and behave themselves. Unfortunately there is a minority that can’t.

“We will be sending out a strong message to these people that they are not welcome in our town centres over Christmas and we will be taking action to stop you ruining Christmas for other people.”

The 12 Days of Christmas campaign can be followed online at westmercia.police.uk, on facebook at facebook.com/westmerciapolice, or on twitter by following @wmpolice.