Police patrols are being stepped up in Bicester over Christmas and the New Year to curb drunk and disorderly behaviour.

Insp Ian Edwards, head of Bicester police, said: "Our aim is to ensure that people can enjoy a night out in the town, or go shopping without being faced by adult or teenage drunks.

"Alcohol is at the root of much of the bad behaviour seen sometimes on our streets and in pubs and clubs.

"I never accept that being drunk is a valid reason for bad behaviour in public. It amazes me that drunkenness is occasionally put forward in court as an excuse for offending."

Insp Edwards added that the police would arrest people for being drunk and disorderly, especially because this often leads to more serious offences such as vandalism and violence.

Now that the town's CCTV system has been extended, police can get an early warning if trouble is brewing.

Insp Edwards said: "Bicester Pubwatch members are right behind us, because the last thing a responsible licensee wants is customers who cannot hold their drink.

"On these dark nights I want law-abiding people to feel safe and secure walking in places like Sheep Street, Market Square and London Road.

"That won't be the case if they are confronted by rowdy drunks, and that's why there will be a very low tolerance of this type of behaviour."