GLASGOW’s top cops have told festive would-be criminals that Stewart Street police office is ready for them.

Chief Inspector Brian Gibson and Inspector Andrew Small unveiled the city centre policing plan for the festive period - and both officers have warned would-be criminals they will be locked up at Stewart Street for Christmas if they break the law.

Chief Inspector Gibson said: “The officers at Glasgow City Centre police office are absolutely ready.

“We have done the background work on what we have dealt with before during the festive period.

“We have linked with all our partners including the licensing trade, Glasgow City Council and Community Safety Glasgow.

“We know what to expect and we have the appropriate level of officers out there to ensure that people have a fantastic time, enjoy themselves but keep safe.”

Inspector Andrew Small, who is also based at Stewart Street police office, confirmed an additional 50 police officers will take on the city centre beat during Fridays and Saturdays throughout the festive period.

Those cops will come from sub division offices from across the city and will cover the busiest festive hotspots including Buchanan Street, Sauchiehall Street, George Square, Royal Exchange Square and the Four Corners area.

In addition, the new city centre problem solving teams, who officially began their roles in November, will also be tackling festive crime issues.

The two teams of 26 officers will be in plain clothes and uniform to address any of the issues that may arise.

Chief Inspector Brian Gibson said: “My problem solving team are out there working in plain clothes and uniform.

“They are identifying those individuals who are intent on committing crime, and ensuring they get caught and dealt with”

Inspector Andrew Small also explained that city centre police officers will be travelling on buses to issue safety advice.

He outlined that the officers will travel a few stops to ensure revellers are getting in and out of the city safely.

He said: “We are going to be doing stuff on buses this year.

“We will have officers randomly getting on buses at the weekend just to see people and give advice.”

The city’s illegal taxi trade will also be a priority for city centre police who will work closely with enforcement officers.

Inspector Small said: “We will be working with the Taxi Enforcement Officers.

“There are a lot of issues with private hires coming in to the city who are not licensed.”

The crackdown on those illegal taxis will be from around December 15 with dedicated officers working on the issue everyday from then and throughout the rest of the festive period.

Visits to pubs and clubs will also be part of city centre police rounds with officers aiming to identify and deal with any issues that may occur.

The specialist Divisional Violence Reduction Unit, who operate out of Castlemilk, will also be available to the city centre office should any major issues arise.

Inspector Gibson warned: “I can reassure you if there is people out there committing crime - they will end up at Stewart Street.

“Behind bars is not the best place to spend Christmas.”