BOOZE-FULLED VIOLENCE DROPS

High visibility patrols, on-the-spot 80 fixed penalty notices and test purchasing operations will continue across Sussex as the Force's 'Enough' campaign '“ aimed at reducing yobbish behaviour fuelled by alcohol '“ moves into its eleventh week.

Since it was launched on September 15, 'non-contact' public place violent crime (drunk and disorderly, abusive language and/or behaviour for example) has dropped by 12% compared to the same period last year.

"We're pleased by the reduction in this area of recorded crime, but the work doesn't end here," said Supt Steve Voice, who is co-ordinating the Enough campaign. "In line with the Government's AMEC (Alcohol Misuse Enforcement Campaign) initiative, which runs until December 24, we will continue to target those who sell to underage youngsters and people who are already intoxicated, as well as dealing robustly with drunk and disorderly behaviour.

"The proof is in the figures '“ the campaign is working and we are getting results. Despite a quiet first weekend since the new licensing laws were introduced, we expect things to get busier on the lead up to Christmas and cannot therefore guarantee that the reduction will remain at the level it currently is. We will be on hand to deal with incidents of drunken behaviour, as well as cracking down on irresponsible licensees."

Across Sussex, there have been seizures of alcohol, test purchasing operations, licensing checks and high visibility policing since the introduction of the new laws. Only 20 arrests and a handful of fixed penalty notices were issued for disorderly conduct and alcohol offences over the first weekend '“ no different to any other weekend for the Force.

But more policing operations are planned on the lead-up to Christmas and the New Year and action has been promised on every division. Officers and staff from other agencies will actively be targeting premises identified as crime hotspots and at bars, clubs, convenience stores and supermarkets illegally selling to young people and drunks.

A number of initiatives have taken place across Sussex as part of the Enough campaign, including 'Take Home Your Take Home', which reminds those who sell alcohol that they could lose an entire night's earnings by having to pay an 80 fine if they serve to those who are underage or already drunk.