HOME OFFICE PRAISES NORFOLK ALCOHOL PROJECT

By Ewan Turney of www.morningadvertiser.com

Home Office minister Vernon Coaker has praised an alcohol crime reduction initiative in Norfolk after it won a Home Office award.

The Norfolk Drug, Alcohol and Action Team was rewarded for its work with retailers and licensees to cut crime and re-offending.

Persistent offenders were referred to alcohol projects and the partnership approach is believed to have saved £15,000 worth of criminal damage in Norwich.

"Norfolk Constabulary have demonstrated that by working with community safety agencies, retailers and licensees they can make drastic cuts in alcohol related disorder and help make our city and town centres enjoyable for all," said Home Office minister Vernon Coaker.

"Crime has fallen by a third in the last 11 years but we can never be complacent in the fight against crime and anti-social behaviour.

"There is no one size fits all approach to cutting crime and enforcement is just one part of the solution. By working together and using innovative, sustainable ways to reduce crime and disorder in neighbourhoods we can make further strides in cutting crime. I hope other police forces and partnerships will follow Norfolk Constabulary's fine example."