Drunken troublemakers will be publicly shamed if they run riot at Christmas.

Police in Banbury have promised a crackdown on disorderly behaviour over the festive period.

Insp Simon Eatwell said: "We'll come down hard on drunken yobs. We'll charge them and get them into court, which will bring them unwelcome publicity to kick off the new year."

Insp Eatwell said alcohol usually played a major part in trouble that broke out in pubs, clubs, on the streets, and at home.

He said: "Being drunk and disorderly is bad enough, but it can soon escalate to criminal damage and violence, including domestic violence.

"Courts are sometimes told that defendants committed crimes because they were drunk -- as though it was a legitimate excuse. But I have no sympathy with that view."

Police will step up late night patrols and CCTV operators will also monitor the town.

On New Year's Eve, the focus will be at Banbury Cross, where revellers gather as midnight approaches.

Insp Eatwell said: "There is a tradition for revellers to gather at the Cross when midnight arrives. That's fine as long as a minority do not let the celebrations get out of control.

"We have the full backing of Banbury Pubwatch to come down hard on the hooligans."