A NEW night-time operation to keep the community safe during the Christmas period has been launched by Wiltshire Police in Trowbridge and Warminster.

Operation Bacchus will see a greater police presence during the festive season in an effort to prevent crime and make sure officers are available in the most ideal locations should incidents occur.

The multi-agency operation is being held in partnership with local pubs, bars and clubs, with officers talking to licensees about crime prevention and carrying out inspections where necessary.

Inspector James Brain, community policing team inspector for Trowbridge and Warminster, said: “Operation Bacchus is designed to offer crime prevention and community reassurance for the night-time economy in the run up to the festive period.

“This will involve a multi-agency approach to enforce the licensed sale of food and alcohol and the use of taxis, combined with high visibility policing.

“The intention is “prevention, protection and enforcement” to make our towns safe places to socialise.

“And this will not just be for the Christmas period, Op Bacchus will be here to stay throughout 2016.”

Detective Sergeant Bev Pitchford, from Wiltshire Police's licensing team, added: “We really want people to enjoy themselves during the festive period in a safe and friendly way, and we have to be mindful of the potential for anti-social behaviour, especially when alcohol is a contributing factor.

“We would also advise people to have a plan for how they are going to get home at the end of the night, as well as looking out for their friends, as you are more likely to be a victim of violence or sexual assault when under the influence of alcohol.”