Dozens of extra bobbies on the beat have been drafted in to cope with rowdy New Year revellers in south Essex.

Police are keeping their fingers crossed that the celebrations go off without a hitch but decided to take precautions - just in case.

An extra 16 officers were due to be out and about on the streets of Basildon on New Year's Eve.

The district''s superintendent, Denis Sheppard, explained: "Over the past few years people have been very well-behaved and the extra resources ensure a safe and enjoyable time."

There was a similar high level of staff on duty on Christmas Eve. According to Basildon Police there was not a single arrest for disorder offences during the usually hectic time.

Supt Sheppard said: "My advice to people is to keep up the good behaviour. I don't anticipate any trouble and generally speaking it seems to me that people have become more sensible in the past five or six years.

"Last year there were only a few minor skirmishes."

He added: "Over the weekend there will be the usual extra officers on patrol. But my feeling is that as it has been such a long Christmas break people will be broke."

Rayleigh Police were also due to be drafting in extra officers with Chief Inspector Dave King calling the police presence in the Castle Point and Rochford area "massive".

He said: "Our force will be at double strength with specials deployed as well. I expect it to be busy but not nasty in any way. We will be able to respond to all calls wherever they are in the district."

Southend Police were due to be doing the same. Chief Inspector Will Kennedy said: "We will be deploying all available officers with additional units out during the night right across the division.

"We wish everyone to have really good festive, but quiet, celebrations."

Because of the numbers of people out drinking for long hours the main problem police have to deal with is people staggering about and needing to be directed home.

Ch Insp Kennedy added: "The increase in demand is not necessarily due to extra crime but more to do with drunkeness."

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