Award-winning campaign launched to combat booze-related violence in Hamilton town centre

Dec 2 2010 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

A CAMPAIGN was launched today (Thursday) to combat alcohol-related violence and disorder in Hamilton town centre.

Police and South Lanarkshire’s Community Safety Partners joined forces for this year’s “Hamilton Safer Streets” initiative.

The award-winning campaign aims to target alcohol-related violence and drink-driving and involves visits to licensed premises.

High-visibility police patrols will be in operation throughout the Christmas and New Year period.

The use of marshals at the Keith Street taxi rank will be repeated again to reinforce the “Safe Out, Safe Home” message.

Police will focus on road safety and the dangers of drink spiking, and will visit licensed premises in a bid to encourage responsible drinking.

Police said the message is clear: “Drinking to excess and then committing crime and disorder is unacceptable.”

Chief Supt. Tim Love, Divisional Commander of South Lanarkshire, said: “The festive season should be a time for people to celebrate. Along with our partner agencies, we want to create an environment that allows residents and visitors to the town to feel safe.

“Our award-winning Safer Streets initiative has been going from strength to strength since its inception in 2006, with violent crime decreasing year on year.

“By gathering intelligence and listening to the needs of people, we've been able to develop a new festive programme that will build on public reassurance well into the New Year.

“We'll be looking to the community to continue to help us and would thank them for their support.”

Hamilton West councillor Jean McKeown, chairman of South Lanarkshire Community Safety Partnership, said: “The project has attracted widespread praise, including from the Home Office. This is well-deserved as the Safer Streets not only brings about a drop in crime in Hamilton, but also increases peace of mind for law-abiding people.”