Police chiefs decided they were not in a ‘giving mood’ as they launch Operation Santa tonight to breathalyse drink drivers, arrest drunk yobs, and running spot checks on rough pubs, for the next two weeks.

Supt Robin Rickard of West Berks police said: “We will be paying special attention to alcohol-related crime and we will be looking to make sure troublemakers don’t spoil the fun for genuine party-goers. We are not here to dampen the fun by any means.

“People will see the officers on the streets and hopefully should be reassured by their presence, knowing they can celebrate safely.

“We want everyone to enjoy Christmas and the New Year – remember we are human too and will be celebrating Christmas, but most of our time will be spent on making sure others have a safe and happy festive period.”

Special constables, traffic cops, mounted patrols and dog handlers will all be used, and in the meantime, officers have warned the public not to leave presents in the car, and keep the lights and radio on when you are out – as gangs of burglar from Reading and Swindon continue to enjoy rich pickings in West Berkshire.