A CHRISTMAS clampdown on anti-social behaviour in Newport led to more than 70 arrests and cautions.

Operation Carol - which ran from December 17 until last Monday - targeted low-level public order offending to prevent more serious crimes being committed.

Nearly 40 of those arrested were either drunk and disorderly or using threatening or abusive behaviour.

About 20 were arrested for minor assaults, and a similar number were detained for other low-level violent crime like scuffles in the street.

Extra officers were drafted in during the festive period, and on some nights more than 20 uniformed officers were patrolling the city centre.

Inspector Mark Warrender, who supervised the operation, said: "Early intervention is often necessary to prevent violence occurring, and having extra officers to bring in the trouble-makers reduced the serious offending during the festive period.

"We wanted to make sure the thousands of people in the city centre were safe and able to enjoy the festivities."

Offenders were warned about their behaviour, and if they persisted then arrests were made.

Twenty-two on-the-spot £80 fines were given out, while others were cautioned or charged.

The operation also included:

* A custody unit at Maindee police station that took in drunken offenders.

* Checks on taxis to ensure they were licensed.

* Working with Trading Standards to ensure clubs and pubs were not selling alcohol to under-18s.

* Checks to ensure venues were not overcrowded.

* Giving out 4,000 'spika-stoppas' - devices fitted into the tops of bottled drinks - to prevent drink spiking.

Inspector Warrender said: "The operation was not just about removing offenders from the streets, but making the place safer for those who have been drinking."

He said the operation sent out a message that drunken behaviour that caused distress or alarm to others would not be tolerated.

Police worked with Newport city council, South Wales Fire Service, Trading Standards and other agencies during the operation.

Similar operations are planned for the future.