A TOUGH-TALKING police chief has vowed to end the North-East's reputation as a "party capital".

Mike Craik, the newly appointed chief constable of Northumbria Police, yesterday launched a blitz on yobs, drunks and violent criminals, particularly in Newcastle - whose reputation for raucous nightlife attracts revellers from around the world.

Mr Craik warned that his officers will arrest people who are violent, threatening or offensive, and name and shame the worst examples.

Since beginning the job last month, he has championed "total policing", which sees police crack down on all levels of crime.

The new initiatives include anyone convicted of more than three offences of drunkenness within 12 months may be banned from buying alcohol in any licensed premises.

The chief constable has also ordered a mandatory "two strikes and you're charged" policy to deal with persistent offenders.

A tough-talking Mr Craik, 50, revealed that more than 8,000 people had been arrested annually for drunkenness in the past two years.

He said: "I like fun as much as anyone, but the region's reputation for being a good place to party has its downside.

"The behaviour among many of the people who patronise pubs, bars and nightclubs has reached a shameful state. The party's over for drunkenness, violence and disorder.

He added: "When I took over in April, I promised 'total policing' to tackle crime and disorder at all levels. That includes taking drunks and louts off the streets so that the rest of us can enjoy our lives in peace."

Mr Craik said he fully expected recorded offences in the Northumbria force area to rise, but it was a price worth paying to make the streets safer.

"It's pointless offering cautions when someone has a lengthy history of offending. From now on it's two strikes and you are charged," said Mr Craik.

"I want people to understand that they do get a chance to learn from their mistakes, but that the police and public don't have endless patience with bad behaviour."

Yesterday's pledges on crime are part of a summer-long campaign to tackle drunkenness, violence and disorder.

The campaign includes using large billboard posters, radio and newspaper advertisements, which carry the hard-hitting message "Get violent, get drunk, get disorderly - get locked up".