A POLICE campaign to tackle alcohol-fuelled Christmas crime is to be launched in the two counties.

Next week, West Mercia Constabulary is due to launch Operation Christmas Presence, to reduce crimes related to alcohol and reassure people living, working and driving in both Worcestershire and Herefordshire.

This will be the second year that the force has launched the high-profile campaign, which is a three-pronged attack on drink-driving, alcohol-fuelled violence and the spiking of drinks with drugs.

Last year, festive revellers were praised for keeping the Christmas and New Year period relatively trouble free, with alcohol-related crime the lowest it has been in three years.

The number of people arrested for drinking and driving fell, even though there were more collisions.

Police said they were encouraged by the fact that fewer people aged between 17 and 30 were arrested.

Licensees also worked alongside the police, welcoming uniformed officers into their premises and supporting the voluntary code of practice to crack down on drug and alcohol-related offences.

Revellers were also said to have responded positively to the increase in the amount of visible policing.

West Mercia will be hoping to repeat the success this year and will be stepping up their presence across the force area.

A series of radio adverts promoting the Be Responsible Be Safe message will begin on Monday, December 12, as a prelude to the official launch the following day.

The force has issued the advice below for revellers, to ensure a happy and healthy Christmas.

POLICE TIPS

Walk away from trouble.

Do not drink and drive.

Nominate a driver.

Do not leave your drink unattended.

Look out for your friends.