FESTIVE revellers have been praised by police after the number of arrests over the Christmas and New Year period were significantly lower than previous years.
Despite topping the county’s bill with 89, Worcester’s arrest total was 15 down on the previous year and 11 fewer than the 12 months before that.
All figures were collected between December 20 and January 1.
Worcestershire as a whole received more than 100 fewer arrests this time around as between 2012 and 2013, after officers made 329 two years ago and just 228 throughout the current period.
Police have said Operation Christmas Presence, a campaign to tackle drunk-fuelled crime, was one of the main reasons behind the steep drop.
The operation, which was described as an ‘excellent scheme’ by West Mercia’s Police and Crime Commissioner Bill Longmore, was put in place over Christmas and New Year and increased street patrols and provided advice to city party-goers.
Supt Kevin Purcell said: “I am pleased that the number of arrests has fallen in recent years.
“As part of Operation Christmas Presence, we increased patrols across Worcestershire, and provided advice to the public on staying safe and staying out of trouble.
“The festive period has been successful for West Mercia Police, leading to fewer incidents than previous years.
“We would like to thank the public for heeding our advice and for their behaviour over recent weeks.”
