Residents across East Cheshire involved in alcohol related crime have been
discovering the shocking effects their behaviour has on their community in
a pilot project to reduce offending.
Congleton Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Mark Gammage said: "We′ve had
some really good feedback from those who have attended the ARC course. They
liked that we didn′t lecture them or talk down to them, and that what we
were telling and showing them during the presentation gave them an insight
into the affect their behaviour had on others.
"In some cases they came away recognising that drink was a contributory
factor to their behaviour and they should drink less on their nights out to
avoid some of the shocking scenes and situations they could find themselves
in."
The ARC initiative brings together the police, North West Ambulance Service, Cheshire Fire and Rescue, probation service, Cheshire
East Council, the PCT, and alcohol support groups.
Anyone who comes to the attention of the police for alcohol related
anti-social behaviour is, if appropriate, given the opportunity to attend a
course presented by the agencies.
The course aims to educate them on the dangers of drink and the
consequences of their drink related anti-social behaviour.
There are three ways to be eligible for the presentation, either by being
given a Section 27 notice; have spent night in the cells for section 5
drunken disorderly or by being referred by Pubwatch groups within Crewe,
Nantwich and Congleton NPUs.
The pilot project was originally aimed at tackling the issue in Congleton
but has since spread across the eastern area.
Insp Gammage said: "We hope ARC will be another valuable tool which will
help us prevent behaviour which can have serious consequences on the health
and lives of the drinkers themselves and others.
"This project and initiatives such as the Arc Angel protected town show
that we have a zero tolerance approach to crime and anti-social behaviour
committed while under the influence of drink.
"By working with our partners we can reinforce the message that we are
committed to doing everything we can to stop a problem which affects so
many people. "
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