Alcohol-fuelled crime down 47% since 1995

Alcohol-related crime has dropped by 32% since 2004, and almost halved since 1995 falling 47%, new research by the Portman Group has shown.

Alcohol-related crime is has declined throughout England and Wales in the past decade

Statistics from the Department of Transport also showed that alcohol-related road traffic accidents have fallen by 44%, fatal accidents by 53% and roadside breath test failures by 19% since 2003.

Overall, alcohol-fuelled crimes declined by 21% in every region, according to the Crime Survey for England and Wales (Office of National Statistics), with the greatest reductions reported in the north east (33%), Yorkshire and Humber (29%) and East Midlands (28%).

Better town management, better partnership working and society becoming less tolerant to anti-social behaviour have all been attributed to the reductions, according to a YouGov poll published today.

It also revealed respondents believe police are the most important contributors to tackling alcohol-related crime (57%), followed by bars, pubs and restaurants (45%) and local authorities (36%).

“This research confirms what those on the front line in combating alcohol harms have believed for years – that local partnerships are key to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour,” said Henry Ashworth, Portman Group chief executive.

“A steady decline in binge-drinking in the last decade, alongside society becoming less tolerant of anti-social behaviour, better town centre management and partnership working between police, councils and licensed premises is creating safer and more vibrant town centres, which is great new for local economies.

“It is all our interests to continue to invest in partnerships and support these positive culture shifts.”