Operation launched to cut crime on Friday and Saturday nights (From Stroud News and Journal)

Operation launched to cut crime on Friday and Saturday nights

1:52pm Friday 3rd July 2009

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A MULTI-AGENCY operation has been launched to crack down on anti-social behaviour in Stroud and Cirencester on Friday and Saturday nights.

Gloucestershire Constabulary, Cotswold District Council, Cirencester Town Council and Licensees in Cirencester and Stroud are working together to provide reassurance to the public enjoying the night time economy in the towns.

Operation Leahmore will run on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights for the next four weeks, starting today Friday July 3, and will include additional Police patrols, amongst other activities.

It will also help to develop a long term strategy to tackle individuals and groups who demonstrate a lack of respect of other people's enjoyment of a night out.

Superintendent for Cotswold and Stroud Division, Derek Jones, said: “We understand that residents may be concerned about a couple of high profile isolated incidents of anti social behaviour and violence in recent weeks, and this operation is aimed at tackling those concerns.

"We hope the operation will also offer reassurance to residents and visitors that Cirencester and Stroud remain safe places to visit and enjoy the pubs, restaurants and clubs.”

During the patrols officers will be targeting people who have come out with the intention of causing disorder and, where necessary, will use powers to disperse individuals who represent a risk of causing alcohol related crime or disorder.

“As we all know, excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to anti-social behaviour and violence. Therefore one of our actions has been working with licensees to take a robust joint approach to reducing alcohol related incidents," added Superintendent Jones.

"This includes a ‘Behave or Be Banned’ scheme within most licensed venues and the promotion of safe, responsible drinking.”

‘Don’t Buy For Under 18’s’ campaigns are also being launched today outside supermarkets in both Stroud and Chipping Campden.

Research has shown that in some cases of underage drinking the children have been bought the drink by adults in shops, which is known as proxy purchasing.

Often the adult has not realised that it is against the law to do this, and so these campaigns are hoping to raise awareness of the law.

Throughout the operation Licensing and Environmental Health Officers from Cotswold District Council will conduct patrols with the police to enforce the ‘No Street Drinking Zone’ and check adherence to licensing conditions.

Officers from the Special Constabulary will also be using drugs testing machines and a drugs dog at a number of venues, with testing as a condition of entry. Cotswold District Council has given additional support to enable the Cirencester CCTV room to be staffed Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Superintendent Jones concluded: “During, and beyond, this operation we will tackle anti social behaviour and violence and we would like to thank our partner agencies and the public for their support.”

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