Shropshire police officers braced for festive revellers
Police in Shropshire are getting ready for the busiest weekend of the year – with extra officers on the streets to keep people safe.
West Mercia Police said this Saturday and Sunday are likely to be one of the busiest of the year across the force. This year it has launched the Christmas Presence operation to tackle the issue of alcohol-related violence on the streets over the festive period, which will see extra officers on the beat.
On the busiest nights over the Christmas period extra officers will be on the streets to help keep people safe.
Last Christmas, West Mercia Police responded to 1,005 violent crimes - and 46 per cent of violent crimes in December, where someone was injured, were alcohol related.
With extra people out celebrating over the Christmas period, officers are warning people to think about how much they are drinking and the impact this can have on them and other people.
Chief Superintendent Alex Franklin-Smith said: "We'll have extra officers out on the street to keep people safe this Christmas. We want people to have a good time but most of all we want people to stay safe.
"People behave differently when they are drunk, they do things they would never dream of doing when they are sober. I urge people to think about their behaviour and the consequences for themselves and others.
"Being drunk is never an excuse for committing a criminal offence and if you get a criminal record following a night out this can impact upon your prospects for the rest of your life. It is important people take responsibility for their actions.
"Please, stay safe and have a happy Christmas."
