The latest figures from the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) 2019 indicate victims of crime believed the perpetrator(s) to be under the influence of alcohol in 39% of 561,000 violent incidents (218,790) for the year 2017/18. See here for an IAS thread summarising the key figures.
The proportion is similar to the previous year when 40% of victims believed the perpetrator(s) to be under the influence, but lower than the 53% in 2013/14. Last year we speculated as to whether such falls could be linked to the decline in consumption since 2004, but the complex picture behind the overall trend includes extensive changes in definitions and recording of crime.
Indeed further differences are highlighted with the latest release identifying 14% of violence against the person offences flagged by the police as alcohol-related. However whilst the a figure of 16% is given for the previous year, the release states 'the two years are not directly comparable as a different set of police forces were used in each year.' Such figures are also likely to be significant under-estimations due in part to police not being required to flag offences thought to be alcohol-related, as well as under-reporting in general.
As such it may be best considered that year on year a relatively stable picture may be evident, perhaps reflecting a more recent flatlining in consumption, but looking over longer periods a positive downward trend my be still underway. Last year Cardiff University's Violence and Society Research Group released analysis violence-related injuries presenting to A&E departments and other clinics, identifying a decline in overall violence related injuries [pdf].
Some may continue to highlight that alcohol-related violent crime still makes up a large proportion of all violent crime, with significant costs to individuals and society. Indeed tackling alcohol-related crimes appeared to be a significant Government priority when the 2016 Modern Crime Prevention Strategy was released. The strategy's focus on local responses and partnerships though may have been viewed by many as disappointing in the context of a lack of broader action on issues such as pricing, availability and marketing. Its pledge to publish information about where alcohol-related crime and disorder was occurring on www.police.uk also never seemed to materialise.
With a new national alcohol strategy expected this year, there may be some expectation of further measures to address alcohol-related crime, particularly given the Government's preferred policy approach to date and its apparent ruling out of minimum pricing. Whether any changes in alcohol-related crime will be further understood in terms of any links to policy interventions, or indeed to changes in consumption, will remain to be seen. For now though, more significant issues at hand for the government may be to the detriment of further focus on what some are seeking from national alcohol policy.
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