PUB landlords are expecting a bumper New Year party as undercover police tackle predators and work behind the scenes to keep revellers safe.

Officers trained to spot the signs of predatory behaviour will be on duty over the weekend to help create a safer night out for all celebrating seeing in the New Year.

Meanwhile, city pubs including The Imperial Tavern in Worcester, are expecting an even busier trade on New Year's Eve than usual as people put the Covid-19 pandemic well and truly behind them.

Worcester News: SAFE: Fred Jones, landlord of The Imperial Tavern, says he rarely has any trouble and is expecting a busy New Year after an exceptionally busy Christmas trading period SAFE: Fred Jones, landlord of The Imperial Tavern, says he rarely has any trouble and is expecting a busy New Year after an exceptionally busy Christmas trading period (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Fred Jones, landlord of The Imperial, said: "It's the busiest Christmas period we have ever had and we're expecting a busy New Year. I have spoken to fellow licensees and they have said, pretty much across the board, that is the case. It has been a bumper Christmas, absolutely, from the Victorian Christmas Fayre right the way through until the New Year.

"We have a capacity for 110 people. It has been absolutely manic. We have been full to the rafters all day. For the first time since pre-Covid everyone is going for it."

Although New Year can sometimes see people drinking too much, Mr Jones said he does not see any trouble at The Imperial and they were one of the few pubs that did not employ doorstaff.

They have a ticket-only event on New Year's Eve with DJ Jay performing some classic and popular party songs to help his regulars see in the New Year.

He said the rest of January could go 'one of two ways' but that, over the last two years, the level had been maintained and he was 'optimistic'. 

The police operation involved plain-clothed police officers, specially trained in behavioural detection, visiting pubs and clubs in Worcestershire (and Herefordshire and Shropshire), to identify individuals who may be displaying concerning behaviour.

If they spot anyone, they will call on uniform colleagues to intervene to help prevent any criminal offences taking place.

The tactic, funded for by the Safer Streets 5 initiative granted to West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, has been shown to reduce violence against women and girls and aims to create a safer nighttime economy for all.

Superintendent Edward Hancox, head of prevention at West Mercia Police, said: “In the run-up to Christmas plain-clothed police officers specially trained to spot the signs of predatory behaviour carried out patrols throughout pubs and clubs in our towns and cities with great success.

“We know that most people go out and enjoy their evening without the need to cause any trouble. It is only a small minority who do create an unsafe environment for others by causing issues. Our message to these people was very much ‘we are looking out for you, and we will take action’."