FOOTBALL fans in Swindon are being warned to stay out of trouble during the World Cup, as police prepare to deal with sharp rises in crime and other problems during the tournament.

Swindon Community Safety Partnership, along with its Wiltshire counterpart, have put together a plan to address issues such as violence and excess drinking.

Agencies have produced posters to advise supporters on the correct behaviour and expect to draft in extra resources to help deal with a predicted rise in problems.

The partnership, whose plan is supported by Swindon Town Football Club, includes Wiltshire Police, Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, Swindon Council and NHS Swindon.

Cheri Wright, the acting chairman at the SCSP said: “We are very confident in Swindon that the partnership approach will help people in Swindon’s neighbourhoods and town centre have a safe World Cup period.

“But we would stress that we would ensure that people are very clear about what we are expecting from them and we don’t expect people to be ruining this period by excess drinking and causing problems.”

The partnership put together the plan following the experiences of the 2006 World Cup, when police recorded large increases in violence, disorder and disturbances, anti-social behaviour and domestic abuse.

Officials have put up a series of advice posters in public places, including licensed premises, health centres and shops.

One poster advises men on the potential penalties of a conviction for domestic violence. Another encourages pub-goers to ensure they plan their journey home after watching a match.

The partnership has also distributed yellow Behave Or Be Banned posters, which warn people that they risk being banned from licensed premises and the town centre if they commit crime or are involved in anti-social behaviour.

During the England games, Swindon police will change officers’ shifts to ensure there is a greater presence in the town centre and will also draft in a mobile support unit which will to provide a faster response to any disturbances.

Marshalls will conduct high-visibility patrols in the town centre to make sure people have a safe journey home.

Police will also gather intelligence from minority communities to ensure tensions do not flair up during the international tournament, which kicks off next Friday.

Superintendent Kier Pritchard, of Swindon police, said: “Crime and anti-social behaviour, including incidents of domestic violence, will not be tolerated – we will be vigilant and incidents will be robustly dealt with as we work to keep our communities safe.”

The Community Safety Bus will be out for the weekend games, offering medical services to limit the pressure on the accident and emergency department at Swindon’s Great Western Hospital.

Swindon’s street pastors will also be handing out public awareness packs, containing condoms, water and lollipops.