Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia backs campaign

The campaign, titled “Call Time on Violent Crime” will run throughout Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Worcestershire after being launched by West Mercia Police earlier this week.

Thousands of beer mats together and posters are being distributed to pubs and clubs across the region urging people to stay safe by not drinking to extremes.

The move comes at a time when incidents of violence resulting in injury are falling and will help reinforce the trend.

West Mercia’s PCC, Mr Bill Longmore, said the posters and beer mats will be a visible reminder to people to keep themselves and others safe by not drinking in an irresponsible manner.

“Communities from across West Mercia have frequently raised alcohol issues as one of their highest crime-related concerns”.

He added: “By working with our partners, we can develop shared solutions and innovation to the challenges posed by excessive alcohol consumption.”

Detective Chief Inspector Jason Wells, the officer leading the initiative, said: “Incidents of violent crime have been steadily falling in most parts of West Mercia in recent years, and we want to maintain that momentum.

“A high percentage of assaults involving injury are triggered by people under the influence of alcohol. The object of the ‘Call Time on Violent Crime’ campaign is to help people get home safely after a night out.

“We are not saying ‘don’t drink’ but we are urging people to exercise some self-control and common sense. Do not become vulnerable by drinking to the point where you are oblivious to what’s going on around you.

“The posters and beer mats will be distributed widely to help get the message across. They are quite graphic, designed to catch people’s attention. We hope people will heed the advice which is well-intended for all concerned.”

There have been 2,608 incidents of violence with injury in West Mercia since 1 April this year compared with 3,026 for the same period in 2012/13, a reduction of 13.8 per cent. The number of incidents solved has also risen by 11.1 per cent.