Crime statistics prompt concern over drinking laws

Thursday, 21 July 2005 12:00 AM

Opposition leaders have called for a rethink on Britain's 24-hour drinking laws following official statistics showing violent crime has hit the one million mark.

Alcohol-related crime accounts for 48 per cent of all violent crime, and today's police figures showing overall violent crime is up seven per cent have led to calls for a review of the all-day drinking laws.

"With violent crime continuing to spiral out of control, it beggars belief that the government's only response is to unleash 24-hour drinking on our town and city centres," said shadow home secretary David Davis.

Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Mark Oaten said there was a direct link between violent crime and drink, adding: "Our concern is that extending opening times for up to 24 hours will make the problems of alcohol-related crime worse, not better."
However, home secretary Charles Clarke pointed to the British Crime Survey (BCS), which records people's experience of crime. Also published today, it shows violent crime was down 11 per cent.

He conceded that violence "remains an issue of concern for many people and the increase in police recorded violent crime contributes significantly to the fear of crime" but said the much of the increase was down to recording changes introduced in 2002.

In addition, Mr Clarke said the Violent Crime Reduction Bill currently before parliament will increase police powers to crack down on alcohol-related violence in particular.

"We have made significant progress on violent crime, but I accept that more needs to be done and the government is determined to achieve further reductions," he said.

Elsewhere, police figures report total recorded crime is down six per cent, while there has also been a reduction in domestic burglary (20 per cent), vehicle thefts (17 per cent) and robbery (12 per cent). Drug offences were up one per cent.

These figures are supported by the BCS statistics, which show overall crime is down seven per cent, burglary is down 20 per cent and vehicle thefts 11 per cent.

Mr Clarke said the overall picture was "very positive" and paid tribute to the various reforms carried out and increased investment in crime reduction initiatives.

He added: "People need to feel that crime has fallen and feel safer in their communities. I believe this is beginning to happen. But we are not complacent and will continue to ensure that we reduce not only actual crime but also the fear of crime."

Tags: