Robberies and assaults dry up as drink bans come in

A total of 73 Drinking Banning Orders (DBOs), which forbid people from buying or drinking alcohol in certain designated areas, have been issued since March.

Figures compiled by Humberside Police reveal that among people issued with the orders, incidents of assault dropped by 94 per cent, from 121 to seven, in the first seven months of the scheme.

The number of robberies also saw a large decrease, dropping by 96 per cent, from 78 to three. Disorder offences went down from 206 to nine – also a 96 per cent drop.

The orders are issued by magistrates courts and can last anything between two months and two years. Offenders who break an order have to pay a fine of up to £2,500.

Inspector Andy Parsons, from Hull’s Violent Crime and Licensing Team said: “The action taken against people with DBOs demonstrates that we will not tolerate unacceptable behaviour within the Safer Entertainment Zone, and we will take positive action to deal with offenders.

“The duration of the orders varies but will undoubtedly have an impact on the individual’s social lives, and I hope the conditions imposed will assist them in taking responsibility for changing their behaviour in the future.

“We will continue to seek DBOs against offenders who continue to be a nuisance to the law abiding majority. By dealing with the minority of trouble-causers we will make the area a better place to work and socialise.”

The order also gives offenders access to courses to educate them about the social and health impact of heavy alcohol consumption.

Among other measures, mobile CCTV units are being used between 8pm and 4am each Saturday to deter offenders and bars in the city have been urged to use plastic glasses. Red cards are issued to rowdy drinkers in the city centre which ban them from the area for 48 hours.

Anyone caught flouting the ban in the “safer entertainment zone” faces arrest and prosecution in a drive to make the area a more welcoming environment for shoppers, workers and visitors.