BEEFED-UP police patrols which took place over Christmas and will be on the streets for New Year celebrations will continue into 2009 in a bid to stamp out the anti-social behaviour which has plagued Wallingford.

The Christmas patrols were aimed at making sure that over-enthusiastic merrymakers did not disrupt other people’s enjoyment.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said they were effective.

The spokesman said: “Things were quiet over the Christmas period.

“There were extra patrols and there were no particular problems.”

The only incident was last Saturday evening, when two youths were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage when the window of an optician’s in St Mary’s Street was smashed.

Superintendent Amanda Pearson said: “Throughout the festive period everyone, on the whole, was very well behaved.

“It was through the vigilance of the public reporting the incident in St Mary’s Street that the police were able to attend and arrest the youths.”

They were released on police bail.

The extra patrols were put on to clamp down on drunkenness, anti-social behaviour and violence.

They toured the town centre over Christmas and will be out in force again on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Inspector Nick Cain said: “We are increasing our patrols to ensure the public enjoy the whole festive season safely.

“We want to reinforce the importance of people knowing their limits when out drinking.

“One drink too many can lead to unpleasant consequences, “We want everyone to have a good time and enjoy themselves this New Year, but our message is to drink sensibly and stay safe.”

Increased levels of anti-social behaviour in the town have caused police concern over the last few months and that means increased police patrols well into 2009 targeting known trouble spots.

Police community support officer Sam Good-enough said: “Anti-social behaviour is an issue in Wallingford at the moment.

“This has been predominant in Market Place, Church Lane and the Waitrose car park.

“This behaviour will not be tolerated and patrols have been stepped up in these areas.

“Warning letters have been sent out, anti-social behaviour contracts have been enforced, ‘stop and accounts’ have been issued, and parents have been and will be spoken to about their children’s behaviour.”

Underage drinking is also a target for the police and officers have promised to clamp down on the problem.

Mayor Alec Hayton said he welcomed the increased police presence, which he felt certain reassured residents and made people think twice before getting involved in the anti-social behaviour and rowdiness.