Council Tackles Dangerous Drinkers

Clampdown on behaviour this Christmas

Ealing Council has won a major grant to tackle alcohol related crime and anti-social behaviour this Christmas.

The Home Office has awarded Ealing Council £30,000 to carry out the Alcohol Safety and Awareness Project (ASAP). Officers are mounting the operation in partnership with the Metropolitan Police and Ealing Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) to tackle the seasonal rise in alcohol related crime and disorder.

A new mobile CCTV camera will be used to target blind-spot areas where anti-social behaviour can go unnoticed and the evidence collected will be used to prosecute offenders caught on camera. Police and licensing officers will also be visiting clubs and pubs making sure traders are adhering to their licensing conditions over the festive period.

Police and community safety officers will also visit schools, town centres and drinking hot spots offering advice on the dangers of binge drinking and staying safe over the holidays. They will be giving out personal safety alarms and information advising residents on how to get home safely by avoiding illegal cabs and not coming home alone after a night out.

The campaign will also target anyone who is affected by alcohol related problems, or who is caring for someone who is dependent on alcohol. An event being hosted by the Drug and Alcohol Action Programme (DAAP) will take place at Ealing Town Hall on Tuesday 16 December from 12.30pm to 7pm to help signpost people to support services.

Councillor Vlod Barchuk, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, said: “We want people to celebrate and enjoy themselves over the festive period, but we want them to do it safely. We will be advising residents about the dangers they are putting their health and personal safety in when they over-indulge and binge drink.”

Ian Jenkins, Police Superintendent for Ealing, said: “We know there is normally a rise in alcohol related crime at this time of the year. We will not tolerate people coming into our town centres and making a nuisance of themselves. Additional Police patrols will be targeting hot spot areas and clamping down on anti-social behaviour so everyone can enjoy the festive season safely.”

December 12, 2008