A NIGHT of action at railway stations in North Yorkshire launched a major clampdown by British Transport Police on antisocial behaviour over the festive season.

Operation Garland, a region-wide campaign, will run throughout December and into January in a bid to ensure the rail network remains a safe place to travel and work.

As part of the operation, increased number of officers were on trains and at stations across North Yorkshire on Friday and planned to take action against anyone behaving in a criminal or antisocial manner. Chief Inspector David Oram said: “We understand that at this time of year, with Christmas fast approaching, people will be out at parties and will be consuming alcohol.

“We certainly do not want to spoil this and would simply ask that anyone drinking alcohol does so responsibly.

“There is no doubt that alcohol is a major contributory factor to other types of crime, particularly violence, when the effects of the booze lower inhibitions and tolerance levels.

“And drink can also make you a target. If you have consumed excessive amounts of alcohol your awareness is diminished as is you ability to properly gauge a situation.

“Sadly there are those who will take advantage of people in this state and will not think twice about using the drunkenness of someone else to their benefit.”

Chief Insp Oram said: “Officers will be on the lookout for anyone causing trouble on the railway and will not hesitate to take action against anyone caught doing so.

“We do not want to ruin Christmas for anybody, but will not tolerate any behaviour that is antisocial or threatens the safety of others.

“We want everyone in North Yorkshire to have a happy and safe Christmas and New Year and will do what we can to make this happen.”