There’s a seasonal problem in Lynn, according to local police, who this year are introducing a ‘zero-tolerance’ crackdown during the festive season against anyone acting in a ‘drunken and violent way’. The zero-tolerance approach applies to any form of anti-social behaviour, which, as we know, has an ever-widening definition.

Those disobeying police orders in Lynn will risk being banned from the town centre and may face arrest with strict bail conditions. Foot-patrolling police officers will provide ‘high visibility’ controls and will confiscate alcohol being drunk in public places, as well as carrying out walk-through checks in main pubs and clubs for under-age drinkers. They will enforce dispersal orders and use hand-held and vehicle-installed cameras to gather CCTV evidence in case anyone should get away with their anti-social behaviour on the night. Parents will receive letters if their kids take part in misconduct.

Yet the police have no intention of spoiling the festive spirits in Lynn - or so they claim, despite all the evidence to the contrary. As Chief Inspector Stuart Gunn said: ‘We want everyone to enjoy their Christmas and New Year celebrations – but we are reminding people to think of others when they are doing so.’ That doesn’t include the police, though, who have no qualms about telling everyone how to celebrate the holidays and treating residents like juvenile delinquents. If Lynn residents want to avoid welcoming the new year in jail or alone in their homes, it seems they have little choice but to follow Chief Inspector Gunn’s simple advice: ‘Don't get so drunk that you put yourself in a position where this could happen’. Lynn police seem to have zero tolerance for anything resembling the Christmas spirit.

Nathalie Rothschild