Violent crime down by over 50% in Barrow town centre

A policing Operation in South Cumbria has been hailed a success after levels of violence in Barrow licensed premises dropped by over 50 per cent.

Operation Siskin was launched twelve months ago to target alcohol-related violence and disorder after community consultation identified alcohol-related issues as a top priority. Between April and November this year, violence in licensed premises in Barrow town centre has dropped by 51.9 per cent, assaults with injury have fallen by 11.5 per cent and overall violent crime in the area has reduced by 5.4 per cent compared to the same period last year.

This success is due to a range of initiatives by officers and partners in South Cumbria to tackle excessive alcohol consumption, underage sales and reduce alcohol-related offences such as the ‘Challenge 21’ campaign, UV torches to identify counterfeit ID and bar staff training. Licensed premises have also worked very closely with police to tackle local issues and improve the safety of the public.

Barrow Sergeant Ian McClymont said: “We have been working solidly all year round to address the community’s concerns about alcohol-related violence and disorder as part of our policing pledge, and I’m pleased to see that our efforts, with the support of partners, licensed premises and the community has started to pay off.

“Our efforts will continue right through the festive period so that people can be confident that they can enjoy themselves safely, without being subjected to fear, violence or aggravation.

“We want to build upon the success so far and will continue our vigilance with increased numbers of high visibility officers on the look out for potential troublemakers to diffuse incidents that could escalate into violence.

“Barrow is a great place for a night out and the majority of revellers are law abiding people who enjoy a safe and crime-free evening. However, there is a small minority of troublemakers who tend to consume too much alcohol and spoil evenings for others.

“We will be patrolling hotspot areas around the town centre and will be on hand to reassure the community and take early action to prevent violence and disorder.”

In July this year, police introduced Section 27 notices which are used under the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 to remove potentially violent and disorderly individuals from the town centre. Officers will be utilising this power throughout the holiday season to remove potential offenders from the area.

Sgt McClymont continues: "Since the introduction of Section 27 notices in Barrow, over 200 people have been issued with a notice to leave the town centre for up to 48 hours. These have been very successful with the majority of people accepting the order, taking the opportunity to reflect on their actions - and those who have ignored police instructions have faced arrest and court proceedings.

“Over the last 18 months, police and partner agencies in the licensing trade, environmental health and fire service, have been working together to make the pubs and clubs a safer place for people to socialise.

“We want people enjoy themselves in the true spirit of the season and have a safe, healthy and violence-free Christmas.”

IN DETAIL:

VIOLENT CRIME
5.4 per cent overall reduction across Barrow town centre, Hindpool and Barrow Island from April – November 2008/9 to April-Nov 2009/10 (financial year to date). Incidents have dropped from 569 (April – Nov 2008/2009) to 538 (April – November 2009/2010)

ASSAULT WITH INJURY
11.5 per cent reduction in assaults with injury from April – November 2008/9 to April-Nov 2009/10 (financial year to date). 269 reported incidents reduced to 238.

VIOLENCE IN LICENCED PREMISES
51.9 per cent reduction from April – November 2008/9 to April-Nov 2009/10 (financial year to date). 106 incidents were reduced to 51