EXTRA police are being drafted in to the borough for England games during the World Cup to deal with any surge in alcohol-related violence.

Officers will be carrying out sporadic spot checks at venues showing the matches, with the aim of deterring boozed up troublemakers from causing disorder.

An extra 30 officers have been secured by Barnet police to respond to alcohol-related issues and Barnet Council staff will be using the fixed and mobile CCTV cameras to monitor town centres before, during and after major fixtures.

Inspector Simon Roberts, in charge of Barnet Police's Priority Intervention Team, said: "Naturally we want England to go the whole way and win, and we want people to enjoy every moment of it.

“While we think the chance of any real problems arising is low, passions do tend to run quite high in these sorts of events.

"We will deal robustly with any disorder and alcohol related offences during South Africa 2010."

Police will run a series of unannounced visits to pubs, bars and clubs showing football and will be accompanied by trading standards and licensing teams who will ensure no licensing conditions are being breached.

Officers also have extra powers in the Cricklewood, Tally Ho, Finchley Central and Hendon Central areas where there are alcohol control zones now in place.

Council staff said street drinkers in the area who are suspected of committing antisocial behaviour can be fined up to £500.

Councillor Joanna Tambourides, cabinet member for community safety and cohesion, said any problems will be “quelled quickly and effectively”.

She added: "The World Cup is a time when the whole community enjoys the feel-good factor, and the council is totally supportive of residents enjoying themselves while watching the football.

"What won't be tolerated is antisocial and violent behaviour that intimidates or harms others simply trying to enjoy the games.”