Crime falls in Cheltenham town centre
VIOLENT crime has fallen in Cheltenham town centre – and police are chalking the results up to their partnership with the Nightsafe group.
Nightsafe is a partnership of bar, club and takeaway owners, taxi drivers and other night-time workers, the police and Cheltenham Borough Council, which aims to reduce crime and disorder in the town.
One of its most successful initiatives has been to connect pubs and clubs with police by a radio system, which also links to closed circuit television operators at Cheltenham police station, and on Friday and Saturday nights, to the Police public order patrol.
The licensing officer for Cheltenham Police, PC Andy Cook, said: “Cheltenham has a vibrant nightlife that attracts visitors from throughout the county and further afield.
“In the town centre alone there are more than 150 premises licensed to sell alcohol and excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to anti-social behaviour and violence.”
Sixty-five incidents of violence were reported in Cheltenham town centre in June 2008, compared to 94 in June 2007 and the all-time high of 150 in October 2005.
PC Cook said: “A small number of people can easily spoil an evening for customers and staff in licensed premises and Cheltenham police and Cheltenham Borough Council have been working closely with Nightsafe members to ensure that Cheltenham remains a safe place to visit by introducing various crime reduction measures.
“This drop in violent crime is very encouraging and is largely thanks to the Nightsafe partnership and the responsible management of the pubs, clubs and restaurants and diligent work by door staff. However, we are not going to relax.
“By working together we can make Cheltenham even safer and reduce crime, disorder and violence for those who live in and visit the town.”
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by martin, cheltenham
Wednesday, August 06 2008, 7:09AM
“VIOLENT crime has fallen in Cheltenham town centre ¿ and police are chalking the results up to their partnership with the Nightsafe group.
Try telling that to the bloke who was filmed having a bottle wrapped round his head last week,”
by Jema, Cheltenham
Tuesday, August 05 2008, 1:25PM
“I totally agree with Sophie, Cheltenham. I dont go out to town on Fridays or Saturdays anymore due to the Smoking ban and the credit crunch has put me off as well, but when I was up town, I rarely saw the police to anything to stop fights, i have been a witness to alot of them.”
by Sophie, Cheltenham
Tuesday, August 05 2008, 12:41PM
“I think they have the statistics right but for the wrong reasons. It is quite clear that because of the smoking ban and the 'credit crunch' most people choose to drink at home or even drink more locally and not go into town. That is the a lot to do with the drop in crime.”
by jon charles, cheltenham
Tuesday, August 05 2008, 12:27PM
“In my experience it's the security at pubs and clubs which cause most of the problems by employing a fascist door policy. If you're not dressed like a townie or chav you've got no chance of getting into most venues. This leads to resentment and tribalism.”
by Anon, Newnham
Tuesday, August 05 2008, 11:44AM
“Lol, I normally don't believe any of it. The competition is spot the story that's correct in all details:)”
by Stop Complaining, Cheltenham
Tuesday, August 05 2008, 11:30AM
“Anon from Newnham - And you believe every word on the front page of the Echo?”
by Al, glos
Tuesday, August 05 2008, 11:17AM
“George, normally this is what happens. If you cause a problem in a pub/club and ejected by doorstaff you are radioed through to cctv operator with your description, your night is then a waste of time as every other pub/club will refuse you entry and you will have to go home! if you are arrested then there is a chance you will be put on "pubwatch" whereby your are banned from all venues for a fixed period of time normally 6-12 months. As a doorman there are quite a few regular faces that we are aware of that dont even make it inside the venue.”
by anon, cheltnham
Tuesday, August 05 2008, 11:09AM
“what a load of rubbish !! its worse !! corrupt police maths lol”
by Anon, Newnham
Tuesday, August 05 2008, 11:01AM
“The Echo's Front pages normally tell a different story.”
by Neil, Cheltenham
Tuesday, August 05 2008, 10:12AM
“It is a well known fact that, owing to the complete lack of police interest, many members of the public just don't bother to report crime of all kinds. Recently while waiting for a bus after returning from London I, and many other people, witnessed a nasty fight in Cheltenham's High Street. Someone telephoned the police but, when my bus arrived some 15 minutes later, no police had arrived and several bloodied offenders had staggered away from the scene which was quite horrific. The "Licencing Officer" for the Police would be better employed patrolling the streets. I expect his colleagues ae fully employed catching motorists for minor offences so that "targets" can be met and "statistics" compiled.”