Northumbria Police has secured £422,000 of extra funding to help keep bars and clubs safe over the festive period.
This investment comes from the office of Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness, building on her Women’s Safety in Public Places project.
A combination of uniformed and plain-clothed officers form part of the new initiative, Operation Salus, which aims to ensure safety for all during the festivities.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness said: "I’ve always said the North East boasts not only some of the best nights out but some of the safest too and this is because our Police and partners are working hard with operations like this – dedicated to preventing crime."
The operation will deploy officers both on the ground and behind the scenes, reviewing CCTV footage and gathering intelligence.
CCTV evidence will play a pivotal role in capturing offenders, with a focus on crimes such as drink spiking and operating illegal taxis.
The initiative follows the success of Northumbria Police's Operation Cloak.
This saw a 30 per cent reduction in serious assaults and rapes in Newcastle City Centre, according to the police force.
Chief Supt Barrie Joisce said: "We proactively police the night-time economy and have both uniformed and plain-clothed officers on patrol to protect those who may be vulnerable and target anyone looking to commit offences.
“We also work with a range of partners, including local authorities, businesses, licensees, door supervisors, hotel staff, street pastors and taxi drivers, so we can all come together to help keep people safe."
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