DRINKERS in two towns will find a police warning at the bottom of their glass in the run-up to Christmas.

Police in Ferryhill and Spennymoor have circulated beer mats to pubs in their area urging revellers to stay on the right side of the law - or face spending the festive season behind bars.

The neighbourhood police team came up with the beer mat tactic, along with social media messages and posters, in a bid to stop people causing damage to their neighbourhood after a night out.

Sergeant Chris Metcalfe said: “Drink-fuelled anti-social and criminal behaviour is an increasing problem in Ferryhill and Spennymoor and it is something that local people have asked us to take action against.

“In particular there are concerns about damage caused to vehicles when people are returning home after a night out.

“We’ve put together a campaign designed to remind people to behave and respect the streets that they live in during the festive season.”

Neighbourhood Inspector Dave Barker said: “We’re not saying the pubs are doing anything wrong but it is a fact that some people, fuelled by drink, cause disruption and damage on their way back from the pub.

“That sort of mindless damage is not victimless, though broken fences and scratched cars can be repaired the victim can feel targeted, upset and unsafe for a long time after.”

Sgt Metcalfe said that the neighbourhood police team has a good relationship with landlords through its Pubwatch scheme and they are helping to spread the seasonal warnings.

“I hope that when a person is putting their drink back down to the table to go home, the message on the beer mat will serve as a timely reminder to prevent any criminal damage from being undertaken,” he added.