MORE than 50 people were arrested for public order offences in the police division area including Wyre Forest over the festive period.

The highest number of arrests - 23 - were made on New Year's Eve in the North Worcestershire Division patch of West Mercia Constabulary.

The figures were among statistics released by the force following its Operation Christmas campaign.

Eight fixed penalty tickets were issued. There were four instances of alcohol being confiscated.

A total of 168 licensed premises, such as pubs, clubs and off licences, were visited by police officers during the period.

Overall, revellers and licensees were praised by force chiefs for making it a relatively trouble-free Christmas and New Year.

The campaign had focused on drink-fuelled violence, drink driving and drink spiking.

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Arundale said: "The response from members of the public and licensees to our high profile policing initiative has been excellent.

"Those out enjoying Christmas and New Year celebrations have responded very positively to the increase in visible policing in towns and cities."

He added: "Licensees have also been very positive in welcoming uniformed officers into their premises and in supporting the voluntary code of practice to crack down on drug and alcohol-related offences."

Crime related to alcohol was lower than the average for the past three years.

Forcewide, 170 people were arrested for alcohol-related offences and 32 fixed penalty notices for disorder were issued.

In 46 cases, alcohol was confiscated from under-age people and in alcohol-free zones.

Although the number of people arrested for drinking and driving fell, the number of collisions was up, from 187 the previous year to 299.

Fewer people aged between 17 and 30 were arrested - 47 per cent, compared with 58 in 2003-04.

"It is clear that our targeted high profile policing operation has had an effect but we are not complacent about the results.

"We are committed to carrying out similar operations throughout 2005 to ensure that we build on our success and continue to drive down alcohol-related crime.

"Drink drive enforcement remains a 24/7 commitment for officers and we will continue to work closely with licensees and our partners in trading standards and other organisations to make our roads, clubs and pubs safe for everyone."