ALCOHOL ACTION ESSENTIAL IN CRIME FIGHT

For immediate use: Tuesday 2nd November 2010



Attn: NEWSDESKS


JUSTICE /POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS

SCOTS FEELING SAFER UNDER SNP



Welcoming the latest survey of perceptions of crime which showed people feel safer and that the risk of being a victim of crime is now lower in Scotland than in England and Wales SNP MSP Stewart Maxwell said the figures showed tackling Scotland’s alcohol problems was the next step in cutting violent crime rates.



The survey shows 62% of victims in cases of violent crime thought the offender had consumed alcohol and 30% of victims had consumed alcohol prior to the crime being committed.


Mr Maxwell, a member of the Scottish Parliament’s Justice committee said:


“We must take serious action to address the problems caused by alcohol in our society.



“With 62% of violent crime taking place under the influence it is clear alcohol consumption is a major factor in crime across Scotland.


“Under the SNP Government crime rates are at a 32 year low and police numbers are at a record high with over 1000 more officers on the street helping to make Scotland safer and to ensure people feel safer in their homes and communities.


“The SNP has taken action to improve safety across all our communities and to crack down on crime but it is clear that changing Scotland’s relationship with alcohol is a key part of cutting crime further.


“Alcohol is never an excuse for crime but we have to recognise that by introducing a minimum price for alcohol we could see the number of violent crimes cut by 400 in the first year alone.


“The error of judgement from opposition parties who continue to reject action on alcohol that could cut crime and save lives is shocking. While


Labour, Lib Dem and Tory block action to make our communities safer and healthier the SNP is working with people across Scotland, communities, police and health professionals to tackle Scotland’s alcohol problems so we can all make Scotland better.


ENDS


1. Nicola Sturgeon to Health Committee 22nd September


“A minimum price of 45p per unit is likely to achieve significant benefits when compared with other interventions, including lower minimum prices.


For example, the health benefits that would likely arise from a 45p minimum price are in many cases double those for a 40p minimum price. In the first year, a 45p minimum price would likely see benefits of 50 fewer deaths from alcohol-related harm; 1,200 fewer hospital admissions; 400 fewer violent crimes; 23,000 fewer days' absence from work; a £5.5 million reduction in health care costs; and a £52 million reduction in total harm in terms of health, crime and employment. After 10 years, those benefits would be expected to increase significantly.”


2. Scottish Crime and Justice Survey, 2009/10


http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/11/01090437/7


Figure 3.4 shows:


• In 62% of violent crime measured by the SCJS 2009/10, the victim said the offender(s) was under the influence of alcohol. This was a higher proportion than found in the BCS in England and Wales in 2009/10 where the victim reported that the offender(s) was under the influence of alcohol in 50% of violent crime;


• Victims reported that the offender(s) was under the influence of drugs in just over one in four (26%) violent crimes. Once again this was higher than the equivalent figure from the BCS for England and Wales for the same period (20% of violent crime);


• In three in ten (30%) violent crimes, the victim said that they had consumed alcohol immediately before the incident;


• Victims said they had taken drugs immediately before the incident in one per cent of violent crime.