Crime Solicitors

A recent report by the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee –Policing the Night-time Economy – finds that there appears to be a correlation between alcohol and violent crime, with London having more alcohol-related recorded crime than any other region in England.

Areas where the Night-time Economy (NTE) is thriving have the highest rates of night-time violence, the report finds – and while crime rates have generally fallen across the capital, violent crime is rising.

The report assesses the challenges associated with policing London’s growing NTE – in particular, the extent to which crime linked to alcohol consumption puts pressure on policing resources.

The report makes a number of recommendations, including that the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) should lobby the Home Office for the introduction of a national definition of “alcohol-related” crime.

The reports also says the MOPAC should examine whether changes to licensing arrangements in London could alleviate any identified pressure on policing – and the Met Police and MOPAC should review the demand that the NTE places on borough-based policing now and in the future.

The report also suggests that NHS England should press for the sharing of information between London hospitals and the Met to be a mandatory requirement, to help inform crime reduction responses.

Chair of the Police and Crime Committee, Joanne McCartney AM,
said:

“The Night-Time Economy plays a significant role in what London has to offer to both residents and visitors alike.

“Our report recognises the benefits that a prosperous NTE can bring to the capital in terms of employment and business revenue, as well as entertainment.

“But it also recognises that with this comes a distinctive policing challenge –
we’ve identified a lack of clarity as to what constitutes ‘alcohol-related crime’, which causes difficulties when monitoring and policing the NTE.

“The data we do have indicates a correlation between London’s NTE hotspots, violent crime and alcohol consumption. It is a concern that MOPAC’s figures suggest that violence with injury offences are more likely to occur in areas with a thriving NTE.”

The London Assembly says the Mayor is committed to growing the capital’s Night-Time Economy – and has proposed appointing a Night Mayor which, together with the introduction of the Night Tube, means that London is “well on its way” to becoming a 24-hour city.

Duncan Lewis Crime Lawyers

Duncan Lewis crime lawyers can advise at any stage of a charge involving violent crime or alcohol-related crime, including ABH/GBH, murder, rape, robbery with violence, knife crime, gun crime, gang crime and criminal damage.

There are Duncan Lewis offices across the UK and more than 20 offices across London and the southeast. A Duncan Lewis criminal defence solicitor can usually reach a police station for interview under caution within an hour.

For expert legal advice on all charges relating to violent crime, call Duncan Lewis crime lawyers on 0333 772 0409.

For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis 24-Hour Helpline on 0333 772 0607.