EXTRA COPS ON BEAT OVER XMAS WEEKEND

POLICE TO STEP UP PATROLS IN NUNEATON AND BEDWORTH

EXTRA bobbies will be on the beat on the streets of Nuneaton and Bedworth town centres during what are expected to be the busiest nights of the year.

Aptly-named ‘Operation Christmas Presence’ will see more officers in the town centres this Friday, Saturday and Christmas Eve as well as on New Year’s Eve.

Latest figures show that 37 per cent of all violent crime in the county is booze-related and with revellers expected to be out celebrating Christmas, top cops are keen to warn any trouble-makers that extra teams of officers will be out to ensure that they do not spoil festivities.

Superintendent Paul Moxley said: “From previous experience, we know which nights are likely to be the busiest over the festive period and we will have extra officers on duty to help keep people safe. This is not just officers on the streets; we will also have extra officers in the custody block and in CID.

“Most people can go out, have a few drinks and enjoy themselves without causing any trouble. It is the minority who cause trouble and our message to these people is ‘we are looking out for you and we will take action.’

“Being drunk is no defence for becoming involved in violent crime or disorder. When it comes to drinking alcohol, people need to take responsibility for their actions and know their limits. Don’t get a criminal record and ruin your future prospects through something you do while you’re drunk.”

But the operation is not just about providing extra security in the evenings, Sergeant David Williams of the Nuneaton Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) explained that local teams will also be targeting other criminals who prey at Christmas, such as shoplifters and thieves known as ‘purse dippers.’

There are also extra patrols being made to stop drink and drug drivers.