Festive revellers heed police zero tolerance warnings

Festive revellers in South Warwickshire heed police zero tolerance warnings

There were no major incidents of drink related violence in South Warwickshire town centres over the Christmas and New Year period.

Senior police officers are pleased that the majority of people celebrating in Leamington and Stratford heeded warnings about zero tolerance over the holiday period - there were fewer incidents of violence and disorder reported.

The latest phase of the ongoing campaign to crackdown on binge drinking and the knock on effects of alcohol abuse on violent crime ran between December 17 and January 3.

Before the campaign started police warned that troublemakers faced fixed penalty notices with fines of between £50 and £80 for drunk and disorderly behaviour, swearing, damage and nuisance.

Across South Warwickshire there were nine fewer incidents of violence reported than in the same period in 2003. And police were called to 17 fewer incidents of public disorder.

Stratford upon Avon's district commander, Chief Inspector Andy Johnson is particularly pleased that revellers in Stratford, Southam and Alcester appeared to drink sensibly. Twenty per cent fewer violent incidents were reported (35 as opposed to 44 in 2003) and 37 per cent fewer public order incidents (33 as opposed to 53).

Chief Inspector Johnson said: "It is encouraging to see this reduction and I will continue to work with licensees to ensure the downward trend in violence and disorder in Stratford and Alcester is maintained. Making a positive impact on the binge drinking culture needs commitment from many different agencies. I am really pleased with the way our partners have pulled together to assist the police in tackling the problem. "

Across Warwick District 59 crimes of violence were reported during the period - the same figure as the corresponding period in 2003. There were 81 incidents of public disorder - three more than the previous year.

Chief Inspector Chris Jackson, Warwick District commander commented: "Our officers were busy over the festive period and we were alerted to a number of incidents of disorder near town centre pubs and clubs. But none of the incidents escalated into major disorder. Officers issued around 20 fixed penalty notices and 33 people had alcohol confiscated.

"People who drink so much alcohol that their behaviour becomes aggressive and violent are not welcome in Leamington and we will continue with high profile policing at weekends. "