POLICE are warning the public to behave responsibly during the Christmas season or face consequences.

Cheshire Police have issued this warning as they gear up to tackle anti-social behaviour, violence against women and girls, domestic abuse, and drink and drug driving.

They will be particularly focusing on night-time economy hot spot areas with high impact policing activity.

Their social media campaign, aimed at deterring potential offenders, will remind people that the consequences of their actions will not only affect their Christmas but also that of their loved ones.

The campaign will give a child's perspective on the distress faced by families when a loved one is missing at Christmas due to their own poor decisions.

The message is clear - people should consider the impact of their actions on those around them.

It's not just their Christmas they could be ruining, but their loved ones' too.

Chief Superintendent Jon Betts, the lead for the Force’s Christmas operation, said: "The festive period should be a time where people can celebrate with family and friends and have a great time, and we will not allow a small minority of people ruin it for everyone.

"We want people to see our campaign and think before they act.

"We hope the message hits home and they think about how their loved ones would feel if they weren’t there over the festive period.

"If you behave safely and responsibly you can have a great Christmas.

"However, if you choose to make a silly decision and commit crime, then you will have no-one to blame but yourself."

Throughout December, Cheshire Police will be implementing extra measures to ensure public safety.

High visibility patrols will be carried out in targeted areas across the county, with officers doing all they can to keep communities free from criminal activity.

There will be specially trained officers deployed to identify and tackle predatory behaviours, driving under the influence of drink and drugs, and stalking.

With support from specialist units within the Constabulary, officers will also be working hard to locate outstanding offenders and capture individuals wanted on recall to prison, ‘fail to appear’ warrants, and any outstanding offences.

Mr Betts added: "I want to reassure the public that our efforts to keeping the county safe continues and we will do all we can to prevent and disrupt crime occurring in Cheshire.

"Think before you act."