Extra police officers will be on patrol in town centres around Shropshire during the Christmas period in a bid to prevent trouble.

The additional patrols will be taking place in the county and the wider West Mercia region as part of the force’s Operation Christmas Presence.

Superintendent James Tozer, Shropshire’s commanding officer, said that special measures taken by West Mercia Police include cancelling rest days for officers.

“Operation Christmas Presence has been a success in Shropshire since its inception some years ago and we are seeking to repeat that again this year,” he said.

“We have once again cancelled officers’ rest days for the critical times to ensure we have as many police as possible on the streets.

“There were some isolated incidents of disorder last year but there were not too many problems and very few people needed to be locked up. I think members of the public were reassured by the large number of uniformed officers.

“We are adopting a high profile, front-line approach which we hope will help pacify flash-points. We want to reassure people who want to enjoy themselves in our town centres without fear of violence.”

Police are also liaising closely with the Security Industry Authority, to ensure door staff are properly trained and licensed.

Superintendent Tozer said: “It’s a sad fact that the Christmas and New Year festivities will turn into a nightmare for some people in the county.

And in the vast majority of these cases, the tragic or distressing circumstances could have been avoided.

“I want people to have a good time without causing problems.”

Police have published a number of tips for a safe and happy Christmas. They include walking away from trouble, looking after friends when they are drunk, nominating a driver when out with a group of friends and not drinking to extremes.

Superintendent Tozer said police will be on the look-out for over-the-limit drivers in both urban areas and on country roads as part of the force’s crackdown over the festive period.