Police are 'relentless' on night-time crime (From Chard & Ilminster News)

Police are 'relentless' on night-time crime

12:28pm Saturday 25th August 2007 in Chard By Steve Sowden

MORE than 50 people who failed to heed the warning 'enjoy night life, avoid night crime' were arrested by police as part of last night's Operation Relentless in Avon and Somerset.

Police officers, PCSOs and special constables took to the streets throughout the force to tackle alcohol-related violence and anti-social behaviour.

The operations, which continued into the early hours of this morning, saw officers not only patrolling town and city centres, but also targeting residential areas blighted by anti-social behaviour.

Police were also joined by licensing and Trading Standards experts from local councils to carry out full safety checks and test purchasing operations at the region's pubs, clubs and shops.

The successful operation saw: 59 people arrested, 144 anti social behaviour warnings issued, 231 licensed premises visited, 82 seizures of alcohol from under 18s with 41 alcohol tests carried out, 16 alcohol seizures in 'no drinking zones', 74 taxis and private hire vehicles stop checked, and 14 vice warnings issued.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Mortimore, in charge of last night's operation, said: "Reducing the level of alcohol-fuelled crime is a day-to-day priority for our officers and we work very closely with our partners to ensure we are preventing drink-fuelled violence and anti-social behaviour, as well as dealing positively with incidents that do occur.

"Our overall message could not be simpler - enjoy night life, avoid night crime. All that we ask people to do is watch how much they and their friends drink.

"Equally, pubs, clubs and anyone who sells alcohol has a huge responsibility to ensure people do not drink excessively, and, if they are under 18, do not drink at all.

"One of the key things about this operation is that is was not purely focused on town or city centres: often, it is smaller residential or even rural communities that suffer the consequences of anti-social behaviour the most.

"That is why we have Neighbourhood Teams dedicated to each area of the force, who have the very local knowledge and contacts to work with the communities and agencies to help resolve issues.

"Those teams spoke to more than 100 individuals last night in connection with anti social behaviour related incidents.

"We got a lot of really positive feedback from people out and about last night who supported what we are trying to do, which is crucial."

Last night's operation was the latest in a series of themed Relentless campaigns, which have seen officers focus on issues ranging from car crime and rogue traders to anti-social behaviour and tracking down wanted criminals.

The operation involved officers taking action in districts across the force.