POLICE have been a visible presence in the town centre this week as part of a bid to crack down on criminal and anti-social behaviour.

During the past two weekends extra reserves of officers from Surrey police force have been deployed to central Staines to demonstrate the force's zero tolerance stance against crimes of these nature.

So far the venture has proved to be a success with a total of 18 arrests made, almost all for drink-related offences.

There were two assaults, five drunk and disorderly, one drunk and incapable, three public order offences, four drink/drive offences, one criminal damage and two for possession of drugs.

A number of the men and women arrested have already been charged and are due to appear in court.

Chief Inspector Guy Derby, who is leading the initiative, believes it's important to focus on the town centre because the hustle and bustle of people there makes it a real hotspot for crime.

He said: "We achieved what we set out to do, which was to set a certain standard of behaviour."

Chief Inspector Derby wants to strengthen the partnership between officers and the landlords of licensed premises to ensure that this month really is the season of goodwill.

He said: "Over the next few weeks, in the run up to Christmas and the new year, police and publicans will continue to work together to maintain that standard."

And he added that he has more measures up his sleeve, which he will be putting into action throughout the festive season to ensure the borough is safe.

"Let me make it very clear. People who commit crimes in the town centre will be arrested and quite probably charged and sent to court to be dealt with by the magistrates," he said.

By.Sherelle Folkes