We Can Cut Crime

12.51.36pm GMT Tue 6th Feb 2007

The national Liberal Democrat party has launched its 'Cut Crime Campaign' this week, to which Somerset is already making a contribution.

Lib Dem-led Somerset County Council has delivered a remarkable 54.7% reduction in household burglary between 1999 and 2006, working closely with Avon and Somerset Police. A multi-agency partnership successfully targeted persistent offenders and alerted the public to the dangers of distraction burglaries.

iSafe Somerset, a co-ordinated approach with the pubs and clubs, has already delivered advice, guidance and training for door staff and users and has helped tackle the sort of alcohol related problems that were sometimes being seen in town centres. Nonetheless, alcohol misuse remains a much greater problem than drugs and plenty more needs to be done to discourage the binge drinking that sometimes leads to problems.

Building on the successful track record of reducing burglaries, Cllr. Jim Mochnacz, Somerset County Council Community Safety Portfolio Holder, said:

"A Somerset task force, made up of the County Council, the Police and the licensing authorities, will crack down on alcohol related crime, working with communities right across Somerset in tackling the harm caused by excessive alcohol consumption."

Cathy Bakewell, Leader of Somerset County Council went on to confirm:

"Working together with our partners, we are cutting crime and as a result, there will be fewer victims of crime and Somerset will remain an exceptionally safe place to live, work and visit."