Alcohol related crime down

New figures show that alcohol related crimes in St.Helens are coming down.

As shocking  new research highlights  the negative impacts of alcohol across the country figures reveal that in St.Helens incidents of crimes, violent crimes and sexual offences, related to alcohol abuse, are on the decline.

Statistics show that community safety, particularly during the evening economy, is improving.

All alcohol-related crime (2006/07 to 2010/11) has reduced by 52% (including a 13% reduction just over the last year 2009/10-2010/11.

Violent  alcohol-related crime (2006/07 to 2010/1)  has reduced by 53% (including a 14% fall over the last year of 2009/10-2010/11.

Says Councillor Richard McCauley, Cabinet Member for Environmental Protection and Safer Communities:  "This can be attributed to the close partnership working between community safety partners, retailers, businesses and licensees. Targeted operations such as Operation STAND (St Helens Against Nighttime Disorder  is high visibility and proactive policing every Friday and Saturday night in the Town Centre and Earlestown); Operation Santiago (daytime high vis policing of the Town Centre retail economy), and Operation Greenall (alcohol confiscation patrols every Friday and Saturday across the Borough).

"In terms of interventions to address alcohol-related harm, the whole drugs and alcohol treatment system has just been revamped, with a greater focus on outcomes and recovery, and includes a clear pathway for treating alcohol dependency. Also, an 'Alcohol Liaison Nurse' is soon to be in post in Whiston Hospital, to identify and respond & refer patients with alcohol issues into treatment."