Police presence has been beefed up in towns and cities festivities for Christmas and the New Year kick off in earnest.

This comes as Operation Gauna Ni Marau or Festive Season was rolled out in all urban centres to ensure that people are safe from harm.

The public are expected to see more police officers on the streets, Police vehicles on standby and snap, roadblocks at all the hotspots in cities and town as around the country.

Police Chief of Operations Rusiate Tudravu says senior officers will also be part of the operation to monitor people who have been drinking most of the night.

“Whilst we enjoy we should be within the ambit of the law. Our police officers will be around just to assist members of the community as we would like people to enjoy the festive season. Christmas and New Year we’re providing that environment for them and if we work together then I’m sure we can achieve the aim we’re trying to drive at this festive season.”

Police officers have been directed to arrest anyone found drinking in public places, being drunk and disorderly and those who are too intoxicated to look after themselves.

ACP Tudravu says they will take a tough stand against those who continue to break the law.

Operation Gauna Ni Marau will run in all divisions until January 15th.