BORDERS police are set to step up patrols in a bid to make sure everyone has a merry Christmas.

And top brass have vowed to punish anyone committing crimes over the festive period.

Officers across the region witness a hike in crime and anti-social behaviour each year throughout the festive season.

And they hope that a safety campaign, which was launched this week, will act as a deterrent to many and keep everyone safe.

Superintendent Jim Royan helped unveil the campaign's messages in Galashiels.

He said: "We are fortunate that in the Scottish Borders and Lothians we are able to live high quality lives.

"It is important that everyone can go about their day to day lives in relative safety.

"We want everyone who lives, works and visits this region to enjoy themselves safely and responsibly over the festive season.

"That's why in the coming weeks we'll be sharing important safety messages with the public to protect our communities from harm."

From now until January 3, officers across the Division will deliver key safety messages - shop safety, party safety, home safety and road safety - through social media and more traditional channels.

In addition, high visibility patrols will take to the streets to provide a reassuring presence in many towns and communities.

Superintendent Royan added: "As in previous years we plan to focus on the crimes that have the greatest impact on our communities namely; violence and disorder, antisocial behaviour, road safety and housebreaking.

"I offer my personal reassurance that we'll do everything in our power to address these issues and deal swiftly with those found to be behaving inappropriately.

"My officers and I will be working hard throughout the period to help ensure everyone has a safe and peaceful Christmas and New Year."

Amongst the safety messages being promoted in the campaign are for Christmas gifts to be kept out of sight, not to leave large sums of money in the home and keep all windows and doors locked.

Advice regarding withdrawals from cash machines and leaving shopping locked in the car boot will also be given during the campaign.

Chief Inspector Andy McLean, Area Commander for the Scottish Borders, added: "Falling victim of crime can be extremely distressing and one of our key safety messages this year is about keeping your home and property safe.

"There are a number of simple steps that can be taken in order to deter criminals such as, don't leave Christmas presents or any other high value items in plain view within your home or car.

"December is, of course, a popular time of year for visiting friends and family, which can often mean leaving your home unattended for several hours."

The festive safety campaign was launched in the Asda store in Galashiels.

Store manager Lynne Mycock welcomed the messages delivered by the officers.

She told us: "Galashiels is very much community-driven and it is reassuring to know that the police are conducting this campaign to keep the community safe."

Officers will also be promoting road safety during the campaign and handing out advice to revellers.

Councillor Donald Moffat, who is the spokesman Community Safety, added: “The Scottish Borders is a very safe place, however we must all be vigilant and take the necessary precautions to prevent crime where we can.

“This festive campaign highlights a range of messages and if we all take this advice local people and visitors will be able to have an enjoyable, and safe, Christmas and New Year period here in the Scottish Borders.”