A successful joint campaign by Islington Council’s licensing team, the police and fire services has resulted in a 57% drop in alcohol-related assaults in and around pubs in the Angel and Upper Street areas.<br><br>As part of an ongoing multi-agency approach to tackling alcohol-related crime in Islington, council, police and fire service officers embarked on a summer campaign to reduce alcohol-related crime in the Angel/Upper Street/Islington Green ‘hotspot’. <br><br>The campaign asked licensed businesses such as pubs and bars to get involved in helping make Islington safer at night. As a result of the campaign, reported assaults in the area dropped from 42 in July to 18 in September (a fall of 57%). <br><br>The campaign encouraged landlords to be responsible and take on their role of preventing crime by controlling people's behaviour in and outside licensed premises. It also aimed to ensure that premises are complying with the conditions attached to their licences, are not selling alcohol to those underage, and are managing problems such as customers who have had too much to drink.<br><br>In addition to regular inspections of licensed premises, the process has involved closer working with landlords, such as the delivery of free seminars in crime prevention and how to spot and report crimes, such as thefts from patrons. Other seminars covered best practice examples of crime prevention from Islington premises, and specialist subjects such as drug awareness. A PubWatch group has also been formed in the area as a forum for regular interaction between licensees to share and learn from each other’s experiences.<br><br>The police also began highly visible patrols and follow-up visits to all premises where assaults were reported to discuss what could be done to prevent incidents recurring. <br><br>Councillor Steve Hitchins, Leader of Islington Council said: “We want Islington to be a safe place to go out at night, for both residents and visitors. Upper Street is a vibrant night spot that has a lot to offer and we don't want the actions of a few to ruin that. <br><br>"This campaign has more than halved the number of attacks and we will continue to work hard with our partners in the emergency services, and local businesses to make further improvements. <br><br>"We want to see this sort of improvement extended throughout Islington, especially with the new licensing act coming into force in just a few weeks. <br><br>"A similar campaign in the run-up to Christmas will focus on compliance with new licences and underage sales. We want people to enjoy themselves over the festive period without being a nuisance or a victim.”<br><br>ENDS
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009