Campaign To Target Alcohol Related Violence In Wrexham

A campaign has been launched to prevent and reduce levels of alcohol fuelled violent crime and anti social behaviour in Wrexham town centre during the Christmas and New Year period.

Wrexham Community Partnership holds the titled Think Safe, Drink Safe campaign every year in partnership with Wrexham Council, North Wales Police, North Wales Ambulance Service and a range of agencies and businesses from the voluntary and private sector.

As with previous campaigns, Wrexham Community Safety Partnership has identified key nights for the 2011 season. During these nights a number of initiatives and operations will take place to ensure that visitors to the town centre enjoy a safe night out.

There are many new features to the 2011 campaign including a very specific focus on under age drinking with a publicity campaign supported by intense police and Trading Standards operations to focus on the issues.

Parents and young people will also be targeted using a range of innovative communication techniques including social media and blue tooth technology with a view to raise awareness about under age drinking, fake ID and proxy sales.

Licensees have said that they are committed to the campaign and they will be assisting by promoting key campaign messages within their venues.

Bar staff working during the Christmas and New Year period will also be encouraged to wear the Safe Wrexham – Think Safe Drink Safe branded t shirts.

Cllr Bob Dutton: Lead Member for Communities and Performance said: “The volume of violent crime and anti social behaviour during the Christmas and the New Year period has been falling steadily in Wrexham town centre during recent years.

“I am confident that this is largely due to the tremendous work undertaken by those partners who contribute towards the Safe Wrexham – Think Safe Drink Safe campaign.”

Chief Inspector Alex Goss from North Wales Police added “The Christmas and new period is traditionally busy in Wrexham town centre. We know that at this time of year people tend to drink more, however we would encourage people to drink responsibly and be mindful of the fact that excessive drinking can affect behaviour and lead to serious consequences.

“The message is simple, anti social behaviour and violence will not be tolerated, anyone behaving irresponsibly will be dealt with quickly as the police and our partners are committed to ensuring that visitors can come into Wrexham Town Centre to thoroughly enjoy a safe night out.”