A massive multi-agency drive will be launched on Friday with the aim of keeping people safe in Edinburgh over the festive period.
It will be the third year Operation Astrodome has run in the capital. In December 2008, it was credited with cutting crime in the city centre by 16 percent.
The scheme will see community safety officers and council staff working alongside the emergency services to ensure people have the best and safest experience possible while visiting the capital during the Christmas period.
As well as tackling alcohol related trouble, high visibility policing will be used to reassure revellers.
Superintendent Mark Williams from Lothian and Borders Police said "Christmas is traditionally a time for going out and enjoying yourself and Lothian and Borders Police are committed to making Edinburgh a safe place to enjoy the festive season.
"We will have a particular focus on alcohol fuelled violence and disorder, and we will be working closely with our partners to prevent such behaviour spoiling the enjoyment of others.
Ambulance resources will be stationed within the city centre while transport marshals will be on hand to ensure party goers get home safely, supervising taxi queues and pointing out alternative transport options.
The British Transport Police are also involved in the scheme and will work to ensure that those travelling to and from the city by rail are not subjected to disruptive behaviour.
Councillor Paul Edie, Community Safety Leader, said: “Edinburgh is a wonderful place at Christmas and we want to make sure residents, visitors and revellers enjoy the festive period.
"By working with our partners we can really concentrate our efforts and ensure that we achieve the best possible results so that everyone can have a safe and merry Christmas.”
Inspector David Gray, the officer in charge of the Edinburgh sector of British Transport Police, said: "The joined up approach with the other partners involved has worked extremely well in previous years although the initiative is not about British Transport Police being killjoys.
"On the contrary, I would encourage people to use the trains to travel, but they must also be aware that BTP will not tolerate anti social behaviour or any kind of criminality on the rail network, that will spoil the enjoyment of the festive season for others.”
Last updated: 27 November 2009, 18:56
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