A CRACKDOWN on alcohol-fuelled problems has been launched in the run up to the festive period.

Last weekend uniformed officers made the first of what will be regular unannounced visits to more than 30 licensed premises in Bishop Auckland and surrounding areas.

They will be on the lookout for alcohol-related problems including underage drinkers and rowdy behaviour, and any evidence of drug-dealing.

On some visits they will have with them specialist sniffer dogs which are trained to detect the presence of narcotics.

And during Operation Arwin officers will also be making a note of which pubs and bars are favoured by members of organised crime groups, who often use licensed premises as an outlet for their criminal activities.

Sergeant Terry France said: "As we approach the Christmas period we often see a rise in anti-social behaviour linked to excessive alcohol consumption.

"This is an issue of real concern to local residents, along with the harm caused by organised criminals operating in the area.”

Posters bearing public safety, alcohol abuse and zero tolerance messages will be going up in the next few weeks within numerous retail outlets, licensed premises and educational establishments within the Bishop Auckland area.

Anyone wanting to get more involved in policing in their local area can find their nearest Police and Communities Together meeting at durham.police.uk