Police issue warning to Christmas revellers using South Yorkshire's railway

British Transport Police said over half of all crimes recorded on the region’s railway last Christmas were public order offences, with alcohol involved in many.

Officers recorded 43 offences of violence and public order in South Yorkshire - 25 in Doncaster and 18 in Sheffield.

The force said one third of the offences were alcohol related.

Chief Inspector Pete Kooper said: “We want everyone to have fun over the festive period but every year we see passengers getting into trouble on the rail network because they’ve drunk more than they usually would and behaved in a way they wouldn’t dream of if sober.

“That’s no fun for anyone and unfortunately last Christmas we saw a rise in public order offences and anti-social behaviour.

“We believe they could have been avoided if people had just drunk a little less and thought about how alcohol affects the way they behave and the impact this has on other passengers."

Ch Insp Kooper added: “Our priority is making sure everyone gets to their destination safely and you will see more of our officers on the network helping people to enjoy the festivities, nipping any anti-social behaviour in the bud and deterring any violence.

“We have launched a national campaign asking people to have fun but also to keep a clear head and think about what you would do, and how you would behave if you were sober. There is no excuse for spoiling other people’s journeys or abusing rail staff just because you’re drunk.

“Having a drink could cost more than you think, not only could you find yourself with a criminal record, but we’ve seen peoples careers, livelihoods, relationship and dignity ruined following a drunken night out, don’t let that be you."