NEWTON Abbot police are cracking down on binge-drinking after seeing an increase in violent crime.

Insp Mark Backhouse said that violent crime has risen 1.5 per cent in the last four months, compared to the same period last year.

Officers will start using helmet-mounted cameras to film incidents.

Insp Backhouse said the ten worse offenders of alcohol-related crime have been identified and will be particularly targeted.

The police have also identified pubs most frequently associated with rowdy behaviour, which will be receiving regular visits from the police.

Speaking at Newton Abbot Town Council's meeting on Wednesday, Insp Backhouse said: 'One of my biggest areas of concern is the increase in violent crime over the last 17 weeks. Violent crime makes up 21 per cent of the total, which relates to 227 offences.'

Part of this is down to better recording of domestic abuse but the rest is alcohol-related, he said.

'I've set myself a target to reduce violent crime. We are working in innovative ways with our partners at Teignbridge Council and the licensing trade.'

The force has acquired two micro-head cameras, essentially MP3 players which fit beneath police helmets.

'They have proved invaluable in Plymouth gathering evidence. It's also fantastic to show to licensees and parents.

'We have got the names of the top ten people in Newton Abbot who constantly go out and drink to excess then commit offences in and around public houses.'

He said that once the new banning orders come into force in September, they will be using them.

Pubs have been categorised on the traffic light system of red, amber and green.

'Red pubs get a visit every Friday and Saturday. Amber will get more occasional visits and green pubs – it's just a question of building a relationship with the licensees.'

There will be changes in the way fights are recorded. In future they will be listed as violent affray, rather than being broken down into individual assaults and criminal damage.