Caithness taking 'robust stance' against drink-fuelled violence
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THERE has been a fall in drink-related violence in Caithness, according to a senior police officer.
Acting Chief Inspector John Johnston said officers have cracked down on assaults at pubs and nightclubs in the county.
His views come after Sheriff Andrew Berry hit out at the regular "overnight mayhem" being caused by drink and drug-fuelled troublemakers. He has said, during cases at Wick Sheriff Court, that people are fed up with these individuals.
Actg Ch Insp Johnston said it is a problem in the Far North but police are successfully tackling the issue.
"We take a robust stance against drink and drug-related violence in the region," he said.
"Unfortunately, in the majority of the cases when we arrest people for assault drinking is a contributory factor. People should be able to go on a Friday or Saturday night without the fear of getting into a fight. There are problems in the whole of Scotland with drink-related violence, but figures are dropping in Caithness. We do not get as many assaults within licenced premises – the majority of incidents do tend to happen on the streets."
Since last September Northern Constabulary has targeted pubs and clubs to carry out checks.
There has also been an increase in the amount of high-visibility patrols in Thurso and Wick since last year.
Actg Ch Insp Johnston said while there is a correlation between drink and assaults, the problem is not as severe as it once was.
"In the past, there were a certain number of premises seen as hot spots for drink-related violence. But since the increased patrols have been introduced there has been a major decrease in incidents taking place at these venues.
"There are individuals out there who will be gearing themselves for a fight, determined to ruin their evening. We can’t cater for that, but what we find is that regular checks in premises do seem to put a lid on it."
Preventing drink-related violence on the streets is the one of the top priorities of police during weekends. Meetings are held during the week to prepare officers.
Actg Ch Insp Johnston said at times police resources can be pushed to the limit to cope with the issue.
But he said that level of commitment is needed to prevent assault figures from rising. "There is a continual demand on police to make sure that we are visiting these premises and carrying out our checks," he said.
"We have made real progress over the past 12 months and if that is to continue we have to sustain that level of supervision.
"It is a problem which we do have to address on a regular basis. But if we do a five-minute check it can save us two to three hours dealing with an assault."
He added: "Thurso and Wick are safe places to go out and have a drink. We want people to go out at the weekend and have a good night in the town centre. What we want them to consider is do they really need to have a boxing match to finish it off."
