Staffordshire police chief's warning over late-night crime
CHIEF Constable Mike Cunningham has warned that the night-time economy is being overtaken by alcohol-related crime.
Staffordshire's top police officer has spoken out over concerns that crimes such as attacks by boozed-up thugs, drink driving and domestic violence are a continual drain on police resources.
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ALCOHOL WARNING: Chief Constable Mike Cunningham.
Mr Cunningham voiced his concerns after new figures revealed that violent crime in the city centre more than doubles after 9pm.
Staffordshire Police spent an estimated £520,000 in resources dealing with late night crime in Hanley last year – before taking into account the costs of the court system.
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The chief constable said alcohol poses a 'big threat' to society.
He said: "I think the big issue we are all facing, which is societal, is alcohol.
"The police do not have all the answers to this and we have to work very closely with our partners in the trade.
"If anyone is unsure of the effect that this has on resources I would invite them to visit a police station or accident and emergency.
"The alcohol industry has a very strong foothold on our communities and it is a big threat going forward."
Speaking at a meeting with residents in Hartshill, Mr Cunningham it would help the force if licensing hours were reduced.
He said: "It would mean we would be able to manage our resources better.
"We want a vibrant night life scene which is safe and this is something that we aspire for.
"The people should decide what they want Hanley to look and feel like on a Saturday night and not the nightclub and bar owners."
5 Comments
by petetap
Monday, March 04 2013, 4:36PM
“This article just shows how out of touch with the rest of the country the Police in Staffordshire really are. They manipulate statistics to suit their story in the face of reductions in crime. In Stoke there were 1,257 alcohol-related violent offences in 2010/11 and there were 830 in 2011/12 – a 33.9% reduction in the last year. Over the two years, 500 of these offences were in the City Centre (23.9%), with 296 offences in 2010/11 (23.5%), and 204 in 2011/12 (24.6%). More up-to-date figures will be available with the release of the 2013 Crime Survey.”
by Snaggletoooth
Monday, February 11 2013, 6:51PM
“We could try prohibition - that might just work...”
by THX1138
Monday, February 11 2013, 1:37PM
“Yes well the Police did do their best to close down all the clubs that play dance music where everybody took E tablets, there was less violence then!”
by spudder56
Monday, February 11 2013, 12:00PM
“The bars shouldnt have to pay for all the policing etc supermarkets and off licences should pay their share as well In my opinion”
by spudder56
Monday, February 11 2013, 11:59AM
“I dont think that the problem is alcohol consumed in the bars its the amount drunk by punters at supermarkets and off licences before they even get to the Town Centre most of them are worse for wear before they even get there”