Violent crime – as it is recorded by the police – includes robbery, sexual offences and ‘Violence against the person’ offences, such as assault and murder. However, most recorded violent crime is low-level thuggery, while the UK has one of the lowest murder rates amongst the European Union, with London being below average for EU capital cities. Government Offices have an active role in the effort to continue bringing down the level of violent crime, which has fallen by 35 per cent since its peak in 1995.
More information on the national picture
Building on the success of having 10,000 less crime victims in the West Midlands this year GOWM is currently working with Crime and Disorder Partnerships to further reduce the amount of alcohol fuelled violent crime by supporting a regional Tackling Violent Crime Programme.
Currently 11 Basic Command Units are funded to utilise a variety of interventions to tackle alcohol related violent crime and disorder problems within their respective town and city centre environments across the night time economy.
Some key points include:
- Use of Fixed Penalty Notices for alcohol related offences.
- Routine visits to ‘hotspot’ premises.
- Multi Agency enforcement tactics with other partners i.e. Fire Service, Environmental Health, Council Licensing Officers, and Trading Standards.
- Test Purchase operations at ‘on’ and ‘off ’licence premises.
- Continuing to develop links with licensees and door supervisors.
- Use of bus and taxi marshals at peak times.
- Promotion of proof of ID schemes to address under age drinking.
