POLICE patrols are being stepped up in Worcester to combat drunken disorder during the Christmas period.

With the festive season in full swing, anyone overindulging during the season to eat, drink and be merry, could be faced with a ban from the city centre.

West Mercia Police is encouraging the use of orders – known as Section 27 notices – which allow the police to force people to leave a public place, if officers suspect they will commit alcohol-related crime.

These will be used by officers in Worcester city centre, as well as in other town and city centres around the West Mercia patch, during the festive period.

Christmas Presence Operation will see anyone subject to one of the notices banned from returning to the area for up to 48 hours.

“Section 27s are extremely effective in dealing with people posing a threat to public order, often when they are under the influence of drink,” said the scheme’s co-ordinator, Chief Inspector Helena Bennett.

“However, officers must be satisfied they (those issued with the notices) are capable of understanding the conditions.

“Notices would not be given if individuals are incoherent as a result of alcohol intake.

“For those on the cusp of drunkenness and who are exhibiting loud, uncouth and aggressive behaviour and who can understand an order to remove themselves from a particular location and not to return within a certain period of time, Section 27 notices are extremely useful.” 

She said that, in effect, people were being given a chance to behave and move on.

Failure to comply could see them being arrested and taken to the cells for public order offences.

For more information and advice on staying safe from crime in the Christmas season, visit westmercia.police.uk.