Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser | News | Call to cut off supply of alcohol

Sunday, 7th September, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 25th June, 2008 12:00

Call to cut off supply of alcohol

By Kevin McRoberts

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Chief Constable Andrew Cameron has called for measures to be introduced to make it more difficult for youngsters to obtain alchohol.

Pic by: Central Scotland Police

A DROP in crime, major seizures of drugs and a reduction in road accident fatalities have been highlighted as some of the successes of the past year by Central Scotland Police’s Chief Constable Andrew Cameron.

But alcohol-fuelled crime and disorder has remained a major issue for many communities in Clackmannanshire.

Mr Cameron launched his annual review of 2007/2008 on Friday and highlighted some of the force’s significant successes in delivering policing services to communities.

However, the Chief Constable acknowledged there was still much to be done.

He said, “In particular, alcohol continues to fuel much of the disorder and anti-social behaviour suffered by communities, which can cause real misery for the public.

“Cutting supplies of alcohol to the hardcore of young people responsible for the majority of vandalism and other anti-social behaviour is key to improving community well-being.

“Parents have a critical role to play in working with the police and other agencies to help shut off access to alcohol and providing more positive diversions for those youngsters who become involved in what can become a vicious circle.”

Driving down and detecting crime, targeting anti-social behaviour and enhancing the level of performance across the force have been the priorities over the past 12 months.

Commitment

Mr Cameron said the past 12 months – his last full year in the post of Chief Constable prior to his retirement in September after 40 years’ police service – underlined Central Scotland Police’s commitment to providing safe communities.

He said, “The officers and staff of Central Scotland Police have worked in an extremely determined way to enhance levels of community safety across the Force area and are to be thanked for their efforts.”

Overall crime declined by six per cent across Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Area Commands last year, with the Force detection rate recorded at 60 per cent – maintaining Central Scotland Police’s position as one of the best performing police forces in the UK.

Other key highlights include:

• Drugs worth up to £2 million taken out of circulation.

• Anti-social behaviour strongly targeted.

• Fewer fatalities on our roads.

• Decreases in recorded crime across each of the three area commands.

• More than 300 dealers charged.

• 525 proactive locally-focused Safer Central operations.

• More than 2400 litres of alcohol seized from youths.

• Decreases in violence, housebreaking, vandalism.

However, issues such as vehicle crime, including theft of items such as phones and sat-nav equipment from cars, and historic crimes of indecency have increased.

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