POLICE today urged New Year's revellers to drink responsibly when they are out celebrating tonight.

The message comes as part of the focus on alcohol-related violent crime that police and partners have been carrying out over the festive period.

Inspector John Fox, alcohol-related violent crime co-ordinator, said: "There has been a lot of good work carried out during the month, which is reflected in a 15 per cent reduction in assaults across the force area.

"With a lot of people heading out tonight to see in the New Year, there is potential for an increase in violent crime. Anecdotal evidence shows that people who are drunk and lose control have a higher risk of becoming either a victim or an offender.

"To combat this, officers will be using intelligence to target problematic people and places. Fixed penalty notices will be issued to people who get drunk and disorderly in a public place or who behave in a way likely to cause other people harm or distress. Intelligence is also used to tackle disorder hotspots and there will be high-visibility patrols in concentrated areas of violent activity.

"We want people to go out and have a good time, but our message is to drink sensibly and stay safe."