POLICE are calling time on people who drink irresponsibly and end up involved in crime.

Merseyside officers have been visiting schools, speaking to students as part of freshers’ week as well as working with the licensing trade to promote safe drinking.

This weekend police will be in town centres across the county to make sure people are enjoying themselves safely - and that those who have had too much to drink aren't behaving anti-socially or become involved in crime.

It’s all part of the Merseyside force’s response to a national week of police action on alcohol.

The operation is led by Superintendent Mark Wiggins, who said: "Lots of people like to drink socially, but when they take it too far the links between alcohol and crime can't be ignored and have to be tackled.”

He said figures from across the country show nearly 50% of all violent crime is booze-related, rising to 75% in assaults requiring hospital treatment.

"If you pre-load and are on the way to being drunk before you even leave home, you are 2.5 times more likely to be involved in violence when you're out, either as a victim or an offender,” said Supt Wiggins.

"People drinking too much can also have a devastating effect on communities, with alcohol related anti-social behaviour by far the most common form that people experience.

"The message seems pretty clear. If you drink too much, you are putting yourselves and others at risk and are far more likely to end up involved in criminal behaviour.

"We have spent the week so far getting some of our key messages out and this weekend we will be out with increased patrols, drugs dogs and visiting licensed premises.”

The force is also backing a new card being issued as part of the proof of age standards scheme (PASS).

Superintendent Wiggins added: "The new card incorporates proper checks on those approving the applications and will have a single design which incorporates the unique PASS hologram.

“We are confident the new card will be widely accepted and should mean that people who are aged over-18 can get into licensed premises, and those who aren't, can't."