Police are to spy on well known trouble-makers as they launch a new operation aimed at cracking down on drunken louts in town centres.

In a new move, police in Shipley, Bingley, Ilkley and Keighley will visit people before they go out and warn them CCTV operators will be watching out for them.

Officers from the Keighley division will also be taking down names of people they see causing trouble who will then be visited by police who will warn them to behave.

Inspector Owen West of Keighley's Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "I am not saying that this division has a big problem with alcohol-related offences but we will be taking positive action against people who get out of control when they have had too much to drink.

"We don't want to spoil the fun of law-abiding citizens but anyone causing trouble can expect a very quick response from officers. People should be able to go out and enjoy a drink with their friends without having their evening ruined by drunken louts."

The inspector said officers in the CCTV control room would look for groups who were causing trouble.

He said: "They then tell their colleagues where these groups are and we will use powers under the Police Reform Act to take down their names and addresses.

"We will then visit them at their home or place of work to speak with them further about their anti-social behaviour. We will also be visiting people who we know tend to get involved in violent crime fuelled by drink."

He said they would go to their homes as they were ready to go out and let them know the CCTV was looking out for them. Insp West warned: "The message is very clear: 'We know you're going out, we know what you're wearing and we'll be watching you on CCTV, so behave yourself.'"

Mark Thompson, chairman of Bingley Pub Watch, said calling round at known trouble-makers' homes was a good idea.

Mr Thompson, the leaseholder at the Harvester, Myrtle Walk, added: "We've had people swearing and carrying on into the early hours so I'd say that kind of method is a good idea."