Police prepare for New Year's Eve

"Our officers will be taking to the streets to make sure that seeing in the New Year is a celebration for everyone.

"Make sure that you've planned your night out in advance, so that you know how to get home safely.

"Keep an eye on friends and family you're out with and remember that drinking too much can make you vulnerable to becoming a victim of crime."

A dedicated policing operation will be put in place to support the GLA and event organisers Jack Morton at the fireworks display in central London.

Superintendent Pearce continued: "Hundreds of thousands of people used to travel to central London when there was nothing for them to see or do.

"Now with such a world-class fireworks display being staged the centre of town is more popular than ever before.

"Sadly, not everyone sets out just for a fun night out. There are those criminals who will use the cover of crowds to commit crime, so help yourself by keeping a close eye on all your belongings."

Part of the Met's policing plan includes podiums that provide officers with a bird's eye view of crowds in Leicester Square, and allow them to watch out for troublemakers and criminals.

The viewing area for the firework display is a very popular part of central London. Event organisers will close off parts to the public as they become full.

Superintendent Pearce concluded: "If you're going out in central London's pubs and clubs, please don't think about leaving at the last minute to watch the fireworks.

"The popularity of the display means that these areas get full early on and are then closed to the public by the event organisers to keep people safe.

"The additional crowds who gather for the display, as well as the people who go to traditional New Year's Eve areas like Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square plus the thousands of people in all the bars and clubs all need to get home.

"This can mean huge numbers of people trying to get into tube and rail stations at the same time. Please be patient."

Road closures to facilitate the event and celebrations are put in place from 6pm.

Public transport is the best way to get around town and anyone who drives in during the day will not be able to get their cars out of town once the road closures have been put in place.

British Transport Police Chief Superintendent Dave Wildbore said: "While Tube services will be running all night they will be extremely busy and it's likely you'll have to queue for a long time outside the station so dress warmly for waiting in the cold weather and be please be patient.

"A good night out should have a good ending and I can't stress enough how important it is to plan your route home before you start drinking, check the time of your last train and stay awake while you're travelling - these simple things will help make sure it all goes according to plan."

The police provided these tips to help you enjoy your New Year's Eve:

If you're coming to view the fireworks check out all the information you'll need on the organisers website - www.london.gov.uk/newyearseve

The viewing area gets full early on in the evening. Once areas are full, event organisers will close them to the public.

Most bars and clubs are ticket only or you need to book in advance.

Travel around town by public transport, if you drive into town during the day you won't be able to drive home once road closures have been put into place.

Before you start drinking plan your route home using tubes and rail, check the time of your last train and stay awake whilst you travel.

There is a huge demand for public transport at certain points in the evening, post midnight you may have to wait some time before getting on the tube or train.

Criminals use the cover of crowds to commit crime - keep a close eye on all your belongings.

Arrange meeting points for friends and family, don't rely on mobile phones.