Campaign launched to fight alcohol related crime

The Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), PSNI and Crimestoppers are working together to implement a high profile campaign to help reduce incidents of alcohol-related violent crime.

In recent times there has been an increase in these types of crime especially around the town centres during the evening and night. This hard hitting campaign is being displayed on billboards and bus shelters throughout the Borough and local licensed premises will have them displayed on posters and beer mats. This is to emphasise the issue to people consuming alcohol that they should think about their actions while out as it could lead to something more serious such as violent crime.

Chief Inspector Anthony McNally, Area Commander, PSNI explained, “Violent crime covers a broad range of offences from minor assaults, through to the more serious grievous bodily harm, however what is clear is that each and every assault has the potential to cause serious harm or in the worst cases, have fatal consequences – as shown through our “one punch” campaign. What is also evident from our statistical analysis is that alcohol is a motivating factor in a large number of violent crimes. Whilst current figures show a decrease in violent crime across Craigavon of 13 per cent compared to the same period last year, it is important in the run up to Christmas that every individual knows their own alcohol tolerance level, and as this particular campaign emphasises, remains in full control of their own actions.

“If you are a victim of violent crime or are a witness to an incident of this nature, please report this to the PSNI on 0845 600 8000 or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Councillor Alan Carson, chair of the PCSP says, “When you are out socialising, ensure you are in control of your senses and actions. Do not get involved in an incident that will end with you either being arrested or someone, including yourself, getting seriously hurt. I welcome the fact that these incidents are decreasing but the consequences of them have serious and devastating impacts on victims and their families. I would encourage people to report this type of crime to the police or support anyone who have been a victim to report it.”

For further information contact Lynette Burke on 028 3831 2529 or [email protected]