December 19 2006
Lollipops for clubbers and pub-goers and police officers on the buses are just two of the ways in which the Safer Guildford Partnership is trying to ensure a peaceful and happy Christmas and New Year.
As part of a seasonal crackdown on anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related violence and disorder, lollipops are being handed out to clubbers and pub-goers after a night out, with the hope that it will encourage them to be quieter as they leave the town.
Guildford officers have been working with nightspots to reduce the noise caused by drunken clubbers roaming the streets after closing time. It is hoped that clubbers will not be able to shout or cause a disturbance if they are sucking on a lollipop.
Guildford Neighbourhood Inspector J P Davis said:
“Other forces across the country have tried this approach and it has been remarkably successful, with significant reductions in disturbances and fights.”
A number of extra officers were also drafted in at the weekend to travel on different bus routes in and out of the town centre. These included buses travelling between the town centre and Park Barn, Bellfields and the Spectrum Leisure Centre.
Insp Davis explained:
“Putting police officers on the buses is reassuring for passengers and reminds those travelling into the town intent on causing trouble that we are out there and that we are keeping an eye on them.”
Taxi marshals will also be posted at the busy taxi rank at the bottom of North Street to ensure that revellers board taxis in a safe and orderly manner. The scheme is being run by Guildford Pubwatch on 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 and 31 December. The marshals will be wearing reflective tabards and will be in direct contact via radio with the police and the CCTV control room at Guildford police station to help prevent any situations from getting out of hand.
The Safer Guildford Partnership has also helped to organise an under 18s night at Time Nightclub, following consultation with young people from Park Barn.
Insp Davis explained:
“At a recent forum in Park Barn, young people asked for music gigs and safe dancing so we joined forces with Time to organise an evening for them. The event will feature a resident DJ, and police officers, Police Community Support Officers and Community Safety Wardens will be on hand to ensure that it all runs smoothly. If it is a success, we will definitely look at arranging further events in the future.”
He added:
“The steps we have taken this year send out a simple message: we will not tolerate violence or anti-social behaviour on the streets of Guildford.”
If you have any queries or would like further information, please contact:
Contact: Lorraine Kerswill, Communications Officer for Safer Guildford Partnership
Tel: 01483 444210
Contact: Nicola Burress, Press and Publicity Officer for West Surrey police
Tel: 01483 653924
ENDS
Notes to Editor
The Safer Guildford Partnership comprises Guildford Borough Council, Surrey Police, Surrey County Council (including Surrey Fire and Rescue), The Probation Service, Guildford and Waverley Primary Care Trust and the Youth Offending Team. Even though Surrey is the safest county in England, the Partnership is working to make Guildford an even safer place to live, work and visit.
With a remit to make the borough safer and healthier, paying attention to reducing fear of crime, the Safer Guildford Partnership addresses key areas of local concern through six themed project groups made up of the Partners and other voluntary and local groups. These multi-agency projects include burglary, vehicle crime, street drinking, safe places for young people, safety in public places, truancy, safer public transport, and speeding traffic, as well as a number of national priorities such as domestic violence and drugs.
A great deal has been achieved so far with Surrey and Guildford maintaining one of the lowest crime rates in the country.