Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen is calling for more to be done to tackle alcohol harm, particularly in young people
In 2023, the Government revealed that 42 per cent of violent incidents are alcohol-related, and 40 per cent of secondary school-age children have been involved in some form of violence because of alcohol.
At the Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) Annual Awards event at the House of Commons, PCC Allen stressed the importance of educating young people early about the long-term harm that addictions can cause.
CAP is a national organisation that sets up and supports partnerships to reduce alcohol harm in children and young people, improve their health and well-being, and enhance their communities.
The organisation is recognised nationally for its dedication and impactful educational programmes that have significantly benefited the community.
CAP director Kate Winstanley said: "The CAP Awards are an important part of our events calendar as they recognise the fantastic work and incredible commitment of our local partners - police, schools, retailers, and community groups - who come together to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people.
"The awards acknowledge their invaluable contributions and the positive impact they are making in communities across the UK to protect young people from alcohol-related harm."
PCC Allen, who is joint national lead for addictions and substance misuse on behalf of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC), is increasingly working at a national level to tackle the problems associated with addiction.
She is a member of the Alcohol-related Crime and Homicide Group, chaired by West Midlands Deputy Chief Constable, Scott Green.
Highlighting that in County Durham and Darlington alcohol played a role in one in three violent crimes, and that nationally more than half of all violent crime is believed to be alcohol-related, she said it was essential to address attitudes from an early age.
PCC Allen said: "The awards highlighted the fantastic proactive work taking place across the country to reach and educate young people about the risk of alcohol harm including the growing dangers of spiking and to ensure retailers meet their responsibilities in thwarting under-age sales.
"Drinking alcohol at a young age can cause health problems later in life, not to mention increase the risk of involvement in crime and the taking of more serious substances including drugs.
"CAP partnerships are playing a vital role in preventing harm before it escalates and becomes out of control and it was inspiring to hear the positive results being achieved."
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Tackling alcohol harm is a key priority in PCC Allen's new Police, Crime and Justice Plan.
She has vowed to work with trading standards offices to deliver ‘test purchase' operations to address underage sales.
PCC Allen has also pledged to develop a local alcohol strategy, strengthen the response to issues associated with the night-time economy and hold the force to account for proactive alcohol seizures.
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