THE IMPACT of alcohol on the community will be highlighted as part of a crackdown on booze-fuelled crimes.
The Association of Chief Police Officers is launching the Alcohol Week of Action which will mainly focus on drinkers this weekend (tomorrow and Saturday).
As part of the drive officers in the borough and members of the town’s Pubwatch scheme will be raising awareness of the dangers of drinking too much including the impact on health and relationship risks as well as its link to criminal or anti-social behaviour.
There will be an increased police presence in the town centre over the two days and officers will also be visiting licensed premises.
A spokeswoman from West Mercia Police said: “Dealing with the consequences of irresponsible drinking in town centres on Friday and Saturday night is a significant drain on police resources.
“If people drank responsibly, these resources could be invested in other policing priorities and communities would benefit.
“West Mercia Police make a significant contribution to keeping Redditch town centre safe so people can enjoy a good night out.”
She added safer neighbourhood teams would be working with pub owners and managers because they had a central role in reducing harm caused by alcohol.
A spokesman from Pubwatch – a scheme run by licensees, police and the council to prevent criminal activity – said members continued to gather information about alcohol related crime to make Redditch a safer place.
“We have meeting where we exchange information and have a vote on banning someone. We are becoming stronger and stronger and it is about being aware of offenders, suspected offenders and protecting people.”
He added a good example of the scheme’s positive work in Redditch was the banned from one pub, banned from all policy.
