Revellers who cause problems in the street will be targeted

Recently-appointed Northumbria force chief constable Mike Craik says the area is suffering from its party image.

A range of special operations are to be mounted across Tyneside, Northumberland and Wearside, with area commands targeting known hot-spots.

During 2004/5 force officers made more than 8,000 arrests for drunkenness.

Mr Craik said: "The party's over for drunkenness, violence and disorder."

People who go out and have fun without getting themselves into trouble have nothing to fear Northumbria chief constable, Mike Craik

He promised that officers would come down hard on people who are violent, threatening, urinate or vomit in public places and disturb neighbours.

Offenders will be arrested and the worst named and shamed in a series of statements to the media.

Mr Craik added: "I like fun as much as anyone, but the region's reputation for being a good place to party has its down side.

"The behaviour among many of the people who patronise pubs, bars and nightclubs has reached a shameful state.

"I've talked to several of our partners and they agree that 'the party's over' for drunkenness, violence and disorder."

As part of the operation, extra patrols will be mounted on public transport and additional mobile CCTV units used to gather evidence.

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The force admits the project will result in higher recorded crime figures.

Mr Craik added: "I'm sick of drunken yobs - both men and women - spoiling our towns, cities and neighbourhoods with their antics, making some places no-go areas for decent, law-abiding people, especially at weekends.

"People who go out and have fun without getting themselves into trouble have nothing to fear."

The campaign includes a package of billboard, radio, newspaper, leaflet, drinks mats and poster advertising with a hard-hitting message.

The materials use genuine pictures of real people recently arrested for the target offences. All faces have been blurred to disguise identities.