BOOZE-fuelled violence, disorder and anti-social behaviour are being targeted in a new crackdown across North Yorkshire.

Operation Half will start tomorrow and continue throughout the festive season, finishing on January 11.

Throughout the campaign, which coincides with the introduction of the new licensing laws, police will maintain a strong presence in and around town and city centres, and identified trouble spots.

Officers will visit pubs, off-licences and supermarkets where alcohol is sold and, working in partnership with trading standards, will be carrying out checks, including covert operations.

Static and mobile security cameras will also be used to monitor behaviour and gather evidence against offenders.

Assistant Chief Constable David Collins said: "We will be working with a range of other agencies within the Alliance Against Violence, which we launched last year, including local authorities, trading standards and the other emergency services, to target alcohol-related offending.

"Most importantly, we have secured the support of the licensing trade, including the Federation of Licensed Victuallers Association and local breweries, and I am hopeful the majority of local licensees will also come on board."

He added: "We are not against drink and we are not against people enjoying themselves, particularly at this time of year.

"However we are against violence, disorder, anti-social behaviour and drunken driving. We will be taking a very firm line with offenders."