ANYONE causing trouble while out celebrating the New Year can look forward to a stay in a unique “bed and breakfast” – the custody suites across West Mercia.

That is the message from the police force which is taking a robust approach to anyone involved in crime, anti-social behaviour or drunken disorder during the festive season.

With the support of the region’s pubs and clubs, the police are promoting their “Lock’em Inn” as part of the Christmas Presence operation to tackle crime and disorder.

Thousands of leaflets advertising the force’s “facilities” and how to “book” for a stay will be handed out by door staff at venues in the coming days.

Chief Inspector Helena Bennett, who is co-ordinating the Operation Christmas Presence campaign, said she hoped the leaflet would make people think twice about their behaviour while out drinking over New Year period.

“Although the Lock’em Inn leaflets use humour to get our message across, we want everyone to know that violence, disorder and drunken anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated," she said.

“We want to remind the people of West Mercia that we are here to make sure they can enjoy the festive season and stay safe. Our custody blocks are one of the least desirable places to stay in the area over Christmas and we want to remind partygoers that they do not want to pay us a visit."

She added: “We are not here to spoil people’s fun or to act as killjoys but we do want people to have a safe and enjoyable night out this Christmas without getting into any trouble.

“Our message to anyone tempted to cause trouble is behave or get nicked. If people ruin someone else’s Christmas by their drunken or violent behaviour, then their Christmas is likely to be ruined because they’ll be arrested, locked up and face probable prosecution."