POLICE officers will flood Redditch town centre on Friday night to start a blitz on booze-fuelled crime around the festive season.

Dozens of officers will be involved in Operation Christmas Presence, which aims to tackle crimes such as drink-driving, drink spiking and alcohol-fuelled violence.

The operation will run during the whole of the Christmas period.

Redditch licensing officer Pc Simon Worley said: "We enjoy a positive working relationship with local licensees in the town and are confident they will help us to make this initiative a success.

"As well as continued vigilance regarding under-age drinking or serving anyone showing signs of drunkenness, their contribution will also include displaying posters and using specially designed drinks mats in their premises to re-enforce the message of Operation Christmas Presence."

Police will also be encouraging people to take responsibility for their own actions by looking after their friends during the evening or booking a taxi home in advance.

Pc Worley said: "The effects of alcohol-related crime can be far reaching for all those involved and we hope that by following the advice from Operation Christmas Presence, people coming to the pubs and clubs can enjoy a festive night out and remember it for the right reasons."