A CRACKDOWN on boozy misbehaviour has been launched in Ellesmere Port.
Police will be out in force this and every weekend, targeting alcohol-related violence as part of Cheshire Constabulary's Crackdown on Crime campaign.
Community Action Team (CAT) officers are stepping up their high-visibility patrols and will be joined by Special Constabulary officers, council wardens and the Force Area Support Group on Friday and Saturday evenings.
They promise drinkers who cause problems in the town will be dealt with firmly but fairly.
Chief Inspector Craig Guildford, operations manager, said: 'We are committed to reducing the number of violent incidents that take place on our streets.
'We always want to bring more offenders to justice and, over the coming weeks, great efforts are being made to do just that.
'Each CAT has specific plans on how it will achieve this and I'm confident the public will soon feel the effects of all the work that's going on.'
And Chief Insp Guildford had a message to the yobs who delight in being offensive and violent towards residents.
He said: 'Acts of violence and anti-social behaviour are criminal. We won't hesitate to take action and, if necessary, lock up the culprits.
'Offenders should expect to receive fines or court sentences.
'The time has come to stamp out drink-fuelled violence.'
Other crime-cutting measures include test purchases at pubs, clubs and off-licences, increased use of mobile CCTV vehicles and seizing alcohol from under-age drinkers.
To report a crime, contact police on 0845 458 0000 or pass on information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
