- A joint initiative to combat town centre violent crime and the fear of crime has been hailed a success. Police, street marshals and street angels worked together in Pontefract throughout the festive period and dealt with 150 incidents, many of which were resolved without the need for robust police intervention. They provided high visibility patrols in the town centre, significantly reduced crime, making the town a safer place for visitors and for people to enjoy their night out. The initiative, backed with cash from the police, Government Office for Yorkshire and Humberside, Crime Seen and the local church, also benefited many other agencies especially the local hospitals - early intervention meant confrontational situations were diffused and people were calmed and did not resort to violent behaviour. West Yorkshire Police
- South Yorkshire Police report a significant drop in violent crime in Rotherham district with assaults down by 15.5%. These offences were reduced in Rotherham Town Centre by 24.6% to 55 crimes recorded for December 2007. On an average Friday night there are around 3000 people in the Town Centre. The night time economy was a big focus for police and partners. Initiatives included: lollipops given out to people leaving the town’s bars and clubs; local establishments supplied with polycarbonate glasses as part of a trial looking towards a ‘glass free’ Rotherham; and a taxi marshalling scheme. Representatives from numerous partner agencies also took part in an ‘Alco Facts’ campaign that was given a high profile launch in the Town Centre. This campaign encouraged people to drink responsibly while out celebrating over the festive season and forms part of the Rotherham Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy that continues into 2008.
- Tactics in Hastings: the policing of the night-time economy in the town centre was fortified with additional officers over the festive period. A "low-tolerance" approach to bad behaviour, which has seen a 25% reduction in public place injury assaults in 2007, was continued, along with joint work with licensees, door supervisors and other partners. Also there were enhanced levels of drink-drive and speed checks across the town to
keep roads safe over the festive period. Mid Sussex Times
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