More police patrols are being mounted and extra vans are being deployed around the district in the run-up to Christmas to stop alcohol-fuelled disorder and help revellers stay safe.

Airedale and North Bradford Police are starting a major operation in Keighley, Bingley, Shipley and Eccleshill and resources will also be focused on Ilkley, Silsden and other outlying communities.

As well as enforcement patrols, police will give out advice to stop vulnerable people or those who are worse for wear becoming victims of crime.

Advice will include making sure revellers look out for each other, watch their drinks, stay in groups rather than wander off alone, and make sure they use signed taxi ranks and regulated taxis.

Neighbourhood Policing officers will also be keeping an eye out for unregulated taxis and will be stopping any cars which look suspicious or are overloaded with passengers.

Police will also be carrying out the seasonal anti-drink and drug drive campaign and will breathalyse any drivers who are stopped.

Superintendent Gary Baker, deputy commander of Airedale and North Bradford Police, said: “Revellers should be warned we will take a very dim view of drunken, loutish or anti social behaviour which causes distress to others and those who do offend will find themselves arrested and, if appropriate, facing fines or charges with which to welcome in the new year.”

He said officers would be working with partner agencies to protect responsible revellers.