POLICE have launched an Easter crackdown on alcohol-related crime in Worcester.

They say Operation Easter Presence will help police fight crime, public disorder and drink-driving-related offences in the city over the four-day bank holiday break.

"We continue to work closely with the city's licensees to ensure people out socialising can do so in safe environments," said Chief Insp Alan Baldwin, who is responsible for operational policing.

"We also regularly remind pub, club, restaurant and off-licence managements of their legal responsibilities not to sell to people who exhibit signs of drunkenness or are under age.

"This advice is being inc-reased in the run-up to the Easter weekend."

Police statistics show nearly one-third of assaults and more than three-quarters of domestic violence are linked to alcohol.

Ch Insp Baldwin emphasised that officers will particularly focus on drink-related violence, drink-spiking and drink-driving, and will call on the many people who will be out socialising or driving to take personal responsibility for their actions.

"We will also be concentrating our efforts on the irresponsible minority of people who drink too much and cause problems for themselves and others, in addition to the hard core of motorists who refuse to accept that drinking and driving does kill," he said.

Andy Loizou, landlord of the Pig & Drum in Lowesmoor, Worcester, said he was "well aware" of his responsibilities but there was no evidence of people drinking particularly heavily over Easter.

"I'm fully aware of my commitments and have a good rapport with the police," he said.

"We don't get any rowdiness in here. The real problem is people drinking on the streets."

The police have issued a five-point guide to staying safe while out drinking.

They are suggesting that during the Easter break members of the public:

Always nominate a "soft drinks" driver

Look after your friends at all times

Don't leave your drink unattended

Don't drink and drive

Always walk away from trouble.