Police are cracking down on Sutton's violent criminals in a bid to cut Christmas assaults.

Officers have identified their top 20 violent offenders and will be keeping an eye on them over the festive period as well as working with landlords in Sutton town centre and the borough's other busiest areas.

The campaign will run until the start of January and will also aim to help people who are the victims of domestic abuse.

Chief Inspector Nick Collins said: "Many people like to treat themselves to a drink whilst out and about and at home during the festive season.

"However, violence of any sort, whether alcohol fuelled or not, will not be tolerated. Perpetrators can expect police to act robustly and carry out a thorough investigation to put them before the courts."

Repeat offenders can expect visits from police officers to make them aware officers are keeping a close eye on their behaviour and movements.

Officers involved in the drive will be wearing body-mounted cameras that pick up sound to help prosecute anyone they catch.

Teams are working with bouncers, many of whom have been given extra training in spotting trouble before it happens in the run up to the busiest period of the year, and members of the town's PubWatch scheme, where pubs and bars are linked and people who don't behave can be banned from all premises.

PubWatch chairman Craig Petronis of The Moon on the Hill in Sutton town centre said: "We are looking forward to a busy run up to Christmas and the New Year in Sutton Town Centre and we are fully co-operating and supporting the police to make sure that people can enjoy themselves safely throughout this period."

The campaign is being backed by posters and flyers that are being distributed and will encourage anyone who is a victim of or witness to a violent crime to report it to police.

Sutton runs a free confidential drop-in service on Wednesdays between 9:30am and 11:30am at Sutton Baptist Church, 21 Cheam Road, Sutton, where victims of domestic violence can get help from a number of organisations, such as Victim Support, Solicitors, Housing and Police. For information call 020 7801 1777 or text DV to 65101.

 

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