PUBLICANS and businesses in Huntingdon town centre are to take part in a free radio trial aimed at reducing alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour.

Operation Titan in Huntingdon is a joint bid with the police to reduce incidents of alcohol-related crime and disorder over Christmas and the New Year, creating a safer environment for people to enjoy themselves.

There will be an increased police presence in the night-time economy areas, use of covert and overt CCTV, drugs dogs and increased visits to licensed premises.

This operation will run in tandem with the radio trial offered by the NightWatch scheme.

NightWatch, in partnership with Cambridgeshire police, the Huntingdonshire District Council’s CCTV control room and the district’s community safety partnership, has already worked with St Ives publicans.

During the pilot phase in St Ives violent crime was halved, and overall crime to date is the lowest it has been since the launch in November 2008, Huntingdonshire Business Against Crime said.

CONTACT: NightWatch is on 01480 457579.