Drugs and drink identified by new commissioner to cut crime (From Bucks Free Press)

Drugs and drink identified by new commissioner to cut crime

7:00am Sunday 27th January 2013 in News By James Nadal

new Police and Crime Commissioner Anthony Stansfeld

DRUNKENNESS and drugs have been identified as key factors to tackle in a new plan to cut crime.

Stamping down on excessive drinking and addressing addiction to drugs are fundamental to Thames Valley Police's efforts in the coming years, new Police and Crime Commissioner Anthony Stansfeld says.

And he says a large part of the responsibility for stopping booze related crime lies with councils.

Mr Stansfeld, elected in November to the newly created £85,000 per year job, is asking the public for their views in a consultation which ends on February 8.

Click HERE to read the full document and to have your say.

In a document outlining his priorities, he said: “The majority of crime that directly affects the public is caused by the excessive consumption of alcohol, and the need of drug addicts to fund their addiction.

“Alcohol is a primary cause of violence, anti- social behaviour and, to a great extent, domestic abuse.

“Much of this crime happens within the late night economy. Licensing hours, and the control of the establishments that serve alcohol, are within the remit of councils.”

He said he will work closely with councils.

He said: “They have the responsibility to see that these establishments are properly run and are not the cause of drunken violence and anti-social behaviour.

“The police have the responsibility for preventing drunken behaviour descending into criminal behaviour but their ability to do this is a last resort, after the essential problem has been created.”

Former army commander Mr Stansfeld also focused on drug addiction, stating that addicts needing to fund their habit are responsible for many burglaries and associated violent crime.

He said: “The rehabilitation of offenders, whether in jail or outside establishments, is key to the reduction of household burglary.

“Nothing is more conducive to crime than the release of a persistent criminal back into public life without the cause of the criminality being addressed, either through deterrence or education, or ideally both.”

Mr Stansfeld, who was elected as the Conservative party candidate, also pledged cash to fighting rural crime.

“In the past the serious effects of this have been underestimated,” he said.

“It will now be tackled with the seriousness that the cost, both in financial and in personal terms, warrants.

“It is unacceptable to have gangs of professional criminals preying on isolated farming communities, and the workers and contractors who support this vital industry.”

What crime related issues to do you want to see prioritised by the commissioner?

Which areas of Bucks do you think need the most attention and resources focused on?

What are the problems where you live?

Leave your comments below.