Police Initiative to tackle rise in violence on licensed premises
Although violent crime has dropped in Northern Devon violence on licensed premises has seen a small rise.
North Devon's Neighbourhood Support Team has set up an initiative to tackle this issue head on with the support of the newly formed Partners and Communities (PACT) Response Team, in partnership with both North Devon and Torridge councils licensing teams. Officers will be visiting licensed premises across North Devon checking for drunkenness and under age drinking.
Sgt Mark Harper who heads the Neighbourhood Support Team said “This is not just about enforcement this is about education not only those drinking but also licensees. We want to signpost individuals both young and old to the appropriate support agencies such Y-Smart and Addaction.” He added “This operation will provide enhanced police numbers and high visibility patrols to reduce incidents of violence and underage drinking, drunkenness and anti-social behaviour. We want our communities to know that we are taking firm action and feel reassured that that they can go out and enjoy what North Devon has to offer. We understand that that our licensed trade does contribute a great deal to support our local economy and wish to been seen as working with them to reduce alcohol related violence.”
The operation is designed to send a clear message to the licensed trade that illegal and irresponsible sales of alcohol will not be tolerated.
In the event that officers identify licensed premise breaches in relation to sales and supply they will be dealt with using existing enforcement powers available to the police and district council licensing teams.
Drunk individuals will be ejected with consideration to follow up offences.
Inspecting officers will also be on the lookout for persons subject to court exclusion orders or in relation to licensed premises.
An additional benefit to local communities is that with enhanced officers on foot in and around the town centres robust action will be taken against any street offences encountered.
Any young people found under the influence will de be dealt with directly but supported with follow action by Y-Smart and Police Youth Intervention officers who will ensure that the most vulnerable young people get the support they need.
This initiative will run throughout 2009 and will occur in every town across the North Devon and Torridge policing areas.
Sgt Mark Harper, |
PC Paul Daw |
Editors Notes:
Safer North Devon is the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) covering both North Devon and Torridge Districts. The partnership is supported by agencies who are accountable under the 1998 Crime and Disorder Act to deliver on a reduction in Crime, Fear of Crime and Antisocial Behaviour as well as others with a local stakeholder interest. Our accountable bodies are Devon County Council, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, North Devon Council, Devon Primary Care Trust, Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, Devon and Cornwall Police Authority and Torridge Council.
Support Statistics re Alcohol Related Crime
During 2006/07 there were 3,904 recorded alcohol-related violent crimes across New Devon – 37.7% of all recorded violent crime in New Devon (Devon excluding Plymouth and Torbay) was alcohol-related.
Alcohol-related violent crime accounts for 8.1% of all recorded crime in New Devon – 48,360 recorded crimes. In North Devon recorded alcohol-related violent crime accounts for 9.7% of all recorded crime. In Torridge it rises to 9.8%.
35% of all A&E and ambulance attendances will be alcohol-related. In Devon this is 57,185 attendances at A&E per year, 1,099 per week or 160 per day.
Source:4 DAAT Alcohol Needs Assessment Dec 2007 5 DAAT Drug Needs Assessment Jan 2008)
Nationally, 80% of people think that more should be done to tackle the level of alcohol abuse in society.
The total annual healthcare cost related to alcohol misuse adds up to £1.7 billion per year. The bulk of this cost is borne by the NHS.
Source:National Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy 2007
29th May 2009
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