Chifley Police District crime manager Detective Chief Inspector Luke Rankin says there will be increased patrols and police presence in and around the central business districts, pubs and clubs in the area. 

"Police would much rather deter alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour from occurring than have to deal with its consequences,” Detective Chief Inspector Rankin said.  

“We know from experience that when people notice police around, they are less likely to do the wrong thing, so our aim is to be out and about and highly visible during peak times."

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New research by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) shows the Christmas and new year period is one of the worst times for risky alcohol use and violence.

“It imposes a substantial burden on police and the court system,” the research said. 

Central West Police District crime manager Detective Inspector Bruce Grassick said Christmas and new year is always a busy period for police. 

He said there had been a slight increase in the number of alcohol-related assaults in December and January compared with other months.

“A lot of these [alcohol-related assaults] incidents take place at residential places compared with licensed premises,” Detective Inspector Grassick said. 

He said the Central West Police district employs a number of strategies during the festive season.

“We have a licensing section which addresses any responsible servicing of alcohol issues in licensed premises and we work very closely with our licensees,” Detective Inspector Grassick said. 

“We work hand-in-hand with council and other agencies in relation to safe transportation of patrons from licensed premises to home.

“This is to reduce the impact of having people wandering the streets when they are alcohol filled.”

Detective Inspector Grassick said police take proactive measures such as high visibility policing and heavy targeting of those who have an alcohol condition on their AVO.

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Recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed that spending on alcohol rises in the summer months to an average of $453 for each household compared with $426 in spring, $385 in autumn and $433 in winter.

“Beer is the beverage of choice, with $166 spent on average in summer compared to $150 in spring, $145 in autumn and $128 in the colder months,” it said.

“Wine is not far behind beer in summer with an average household expenditure of $136.