THE dangers of binge drinking will be highlighted in a two-pronged police crackdown this week. The Know Your Limits operation, a collaboration between Hertfordshire Police and North Hertfordshire District Council, is an attempt by the police to remind peo

THE dangers of binge drinking will be highlighted in a two-pronged police crackdown this week.

The Know Your Limits operation, a collaboration between Hertfordshire Police and North Hertfordshire District Council, is an attempt by the police to remind people that going out and having a good time doesn't necessarily mean they have to drink too much.

There will be a strong police presence in Hitchin town centre tomorrow (Friday) and, as part of the campaign, bar staff from various establishments will wear Know Your Limits T-shirts.

There will also be branded bottleneck covers and sandwich boards giving details to drinkers.

And there will be a mobile police station operating in the Market Place.

The other part of the campaign started yesterday (Wednesday) when the police sent out letters to people who have been involved in drink-related incidents in the past to warn them that if they are involved in similar incidents in the future they could be banned from all pubs in North Herts.

Hitchin community sergeant John Vine said he did not want to discourage people from enjoying themselves but wanted them to understand their limits.

He said: "We want to make it known that we are not trying to spoil their fun, we're not trying to stop them from enjoying themselves.

"It is about encouraging young people to have a good time but to know their limits and take responsibility for what they drink.

"Around half of all violent crime is alcohol related and there are figures which show that about 70 per cent of peak time accident and emergency admissions are alcohol related.

"It is one of the biggest initiatives we have done for some time and we have support from the council and from Mark Papotto, the chairman of Hitchin Pubwatch, who will be supporting and assisting us on the night."

Mr Papotto, 34 from Bar Absolute, in Sun Street, said: "We are fast approaching the holiday period so let's be sensible out there and show everyone why Hitchin is such a fantastic place with such a variety on offer in the evenings.