Mystic ― The Town of Groton Police Department announced Monday that it is stepping up its patrols of downtown Mystic starting this week and continuing through the summer as tourists flock to the area.

Police said they will address traffic and parking violations and maintain a greater presence in the area.

In addition to officers patrolling the area on foot, bikes and in cruisers, the Mystic Community Policing Office on Water Street will be staffed at various times of the day.

Police said they will also work with the state Liquor Control Division on compliance checks of bars and restaurants to help prevent underage drinking, overserving of customers and drunk driving.

The Marine Unit will increase patrols on the Thames and Mystic Rivers, Fishers Island Sound and Long Island Sound and work with the Coast Guard to enforce boating laws and conduct safety checks of boats.

“We are directing our efforts this summer to address the most prominent issues of concern to both our Groton residents and our many visitors,” Chief L.J. Fusaro said in a statement. “As we continue to see increasing numbers of tourists coming to the Mystic section of town, we will work to make this busy season safe and enjoyable for both groups by enforcing parking regulations, conducting traffic enforcement, and having a visible patrol presence on our streets, sidewalks and along our shoreline.”