Extra police will patrol the centre of St Helier

Jersey police are putting extra officers on the beat on Saturday and Sunday as part of the first Operation Focus of 2003.

Operation Focus aims to prevent and reduce crime in St Helier at night.

Police said last year's campaign helped reduce public disorder in St Helier by more than 30%.

During the past six months, serious assaults in town have fallen by 27%.

Limited areas

And Roly Jones, deputy police chief officer, said having more officers on the streets makes a big difference.

"There is probably more than a couple of thousand people out tonight enjoying themselves, almost all of them doing it in a law abiding manner," he said.

"The 12 extra officers will boost our street presence and will ensure we are able to concentrate on the limited areas where we know traditionally disturbance happens."