Ahead of the World Cup, Staffordshire Police has offered advice for locals and stressed that they will act "robustly" against anyone committing criminal offences.

The police force explained that officers will be carrying out patrols in towns and cities across Staffordshire routinely throughout the summer.

A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police said: "Local officers are going to be out and about, making sure we're visible in towns and cities to respond to any concerns and keep people safe.

"We're not here to spoil the fun, but what we are here to do is to act robustly against those committing criminal offences. That includes anti-social behaviour, drink or drug driving and domestic abuse."

In the last World Cup period, Staffordshire Police arrested more than 190 people on suspicion of drink driving.

Chief Inspector Scott McGrath, from our road crime team, said: "Your best option if you're heading out to enjoy the World Cup this summer is to drink or drive.

"We're going to have officers patrolling Staffordshire proactively, particularly before and after games are being televised, in order to take every step possible to find and apprehend drink or drug drivers.

"What most people don't realise is that you might even be over the limit the morning after drinking. That could mean that you're arrested and prosecuted on your way to work the next morning or just taking a casual trip.

advertisement

"That's why it's so important that you make sure you plan ahead, get taxis or lifts to venues, and make sure you're in a position to get behind the wheel safely."

Staffordshire Police will also be working with Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service to make sure people are being responsible around barbecues and outdoor fire safety, including a zero-tolerance approach to anyone starting fires deliberately.

A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police added: "We know that the majority of people enjoy themselves responsibly during the summer period, but we're here to act against anyone committing criminal offences in our communities."