PubWatch to tackle alcohol-related crime

PUBLICANS have joined forces with Essex Police to combat anti-social behaviour throughout the Dunmow Broadcast area.

PubWatch is a scheme already operating in many areas in the county and proving successful.

Co-ordinators of the Dunmow and District PubWatch are Beverley Love and Shirley Campion, chef and manageress at The Saracen's Head.

Mrs Love said: "The aim is to cut down on the problems caused in the town by a small minority of drinkers by improving communication between places selling alcohol and the police.

"Monthly meetings are held and this allows us to meet other licensees to build up contacts and to discuss important issues."

Working with each other and Essex Police, advice can be

given on issues such as drug awareness and how to handle trouble-makers.

One of the weapons in fighting nuisance drinkers who go from bar to bar is a ring-round system where licensees across the town phone forward to warn others of problems. Members will also have a direct telephone number to Dunmow polices station.

"This is important because usually you have to go through a central switchboard, which takes up valuable time.

"By being able to contact the town's police station directly, we know help is on its way and this means anyone causing problems have a greater chance of being caught and possible injuries avoided," said Mrs Love.

Stephen Sparrow, Essex Police's licensing officer for Central Division, said: "PubWatch will improve relationships and communication between the trade and the police and it will improve safety for pub-users and reduce alcohol-related crime, disorder and public nuisance."

The next meeting of the PubWatch will take place at the Dunmow Working Man's Social Club on May 21 when the smoking ban will be discussed.

For more details call Andrew Robinson on 01279 653900.