Bobbies set for festive crackdown (From Warrington Guardian)

Bobbies set for festive crackdown

PARTYGOERS will not be the only force out at Christmas and New Year's Eve.

Vale Royal and Congleton bobbies will also pound busy town centres to ensure a merry time is had by all.

Det Ch Insp Neil Ellwood, crime manager for Congleton and Vale Royal Police, said December 24 and 31 were traditionally busy nights for the licensing trade.

He said: "We want everyone to have a good time but at the same time we want to make sure that that fun doesn't turn sour.

"Officers will be out and about looking out for the safety of everyone, ensuring that incidents of disorder don't break out and ruin everyone's night."

Extra police will be joining the usual crews overseeing celebrations and dealing with any incidents which may arise.

Penalty notices for disorder, normal powers of arrest and alcohol confiscation powers are among the methods officers have at their disposal in the fight against unruly behaviour.

Det Ch Insp Ellwood added: "We are not killjoys. Our main concern is people's safety."