Partnership working cuts violent crime in Halifax by 42%

• Booze-fuelled violence in Halifax town centre has almost halved over the last year. The dramatic drop is the biggest reduction in the whole of West Yorkshire and it follows a drive by police and partner agencies to make the area a safer place for a night out. "People are much more likely to come to the theatre or go for a meal now than they were 18 months ago," said Insp Vince Firth. He said reports of violent crime had fallen by 42 per cent over the last 12 months. "I am delighted the work is starting to make a difference," he said.

He said the fall in crime had been brought about by a number of different schemes, which has seen the police, fire service, Calderdale Council, health-and-safety officials, voluntary organisations and licensees working together. "A lot of violent crime is alcohol-related, so we have concentrated our approach around the licensing trade," said Insp Firth. "Initially we were met with a lot of resistance from the licensing trade, but that has completely changed now. As a result, we have a fantastic partnership and they are not serving people who are already drunk." Halifax Courier

See also Halifax Street Angels

Contributor: Libby Ranzetta February 20, 2007