Albury police will be among the officers around Australia to hit the streets this weekend as part of the second Operation Unite, targeting underage revellers, drink-drivers, and violent and anti-social behaviour in and around city pubs and clubs.

Their Wodonga counterparts are not involved in the national crackdown but have embarked on a separate, ongoing operation aiming for a more visible police presence in licensed venues in the city.

Acting Sen-Sgt Shane Martin, of Wodonga police, said Operation Renevo had begun in the city about two weeks ago and would continue indefinitely.

“We’r e going to have a stronger police presence at the licensed premises so people expect to see more police doing walk-throughs,” he said.

“We’re targeting underage drinkers and intoxicated people in the premises, trying to stamp out violence occurring at these locations.”

Sen-Sgt Martin said Wodonga’s licensees worked with police to combat alcohol-related crime and not many offences occurred inside city venues.

But he said police investigations often showed a connection between alcohol and crime.

“Whether they’re going out on the street committing offences or drink-driving, they’ve been drinking at the hotels prior to the offending,” he said.

In Albury, December’s Operation Unite saw about a dozen extra general duties, highway patrol and proactive deployment unit officers patrol city streets.

Insp John Peirce, of Albury police, said similar numbers would boost tomorrow night and Saturday night’s patrols.

“Police are again urging people to behave and act responsibly,” he said.

“If they’re planning to go out, they should consider designated drivers and the use of public transport, and be aware that police will be focusing on alcohol-related offences.”

Last year’s blitz saw at least seven people fined $550 for trying to force their way into licensed venues after the city’s 1.30am lockout, while others refused directions of security or police to leave Albury venues.

In another recent move to combat drunken violence, Wodonga’s 70 liquor accord members last month introduced blanket bans for troublemakers in the city.

Sen-Sgt Martin said two people had so far been issued with three-month bans.