New campaign to tackle alcohol-related violence in Cornwall
22% of all crimes recorded by police in Cornwall over the past year have involved alcohol
It has been revealed that 22% of all crimes recorded by the police in Cornwall over the past year have involved alcohol.
Safer Cornwall is launching a new campaign to tackle the issues surrounding alcohol-related violence and anti-social behaviour.
Called ‘What will your drink cost?’ it aims to raise awareness of the true potential cost of drinking too much alcohol.
• In Cornwall over the last year, 22% of all crimes recorded by the police involved alcohol.
• This increased to a shocking 60% for violent crimes resulting in injury.
• Alcohol was involved in one in three domestic abuse crimes and just over a quarter of serious sexual offences.
The campaign will target educational and preventative messages at young people, parents, and adults who are socially drinking. Specific key messages will include the illegal or inappropriate supply of alcohol to young people by their parents or other adults.
The Cornwall Council Anti-social Behaviour Team will also be working alongside Devon and Cornwall Police utilising body cameras to gather evidence of anti-social behaviour in the key towns where alcohol related violence is a problem.
“The Safer Towns programme is yielding good results across Cornwall. This campaign speaks directly to our communities and asks them to seriously consider the consequences of drinking and how it can lead to alcohol related violence, including domestic abuse, and anti-social behaviour.”
Simon Mould, chair of Safer Cornwall
"Devon and Cornwall Police are fully committed to supporting the Safer Cornwall ‘What will your drink cost?’ campaign. It is important to raise the public’s awareness of the impact of excessive alcohol consumption, and its links to violent crime. We are also asking parents to consider the implications of supplying alcohol to their children.”
Ian Drummond-Smith, Devon and Cornwall Police
“COVID-19 isn’t age sensitive. If you are in the wrong setting with individuals who have the virus it will spread. Whilst drinking, it is very difficult to keep your distance which is why we are asking people to consider this when socialising. You have to remember what you may be taking home with you.”
Ruth Goldstein, Public Health consultant
“So much of the harm caused to our communities is alcohol-related, and on a daily basis. The message is not ‘don’t drink’ but ‘understand the facts and if you choose to drink, do so safely and responsibly’.”
Cornwall Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Protection, Rob Nolan
Help and advice
If you think you, or someone you know, need help with reducing alcohol consumption, please visit Make a Change: One Too Many or contact your local ‘We Are With You’ offices by visiting We are with you.
There is also the free Drinks Meter app available for anyone to use. The easy to use app is available through the Safer Cornwall website or via the Drinksmeter website. It is designed to help those who feel they may be at risk of damaging their health through excess drinking to manage and monitor their home drinking habits.
The Safer Cornwall partnership wants you to have an enjoyable time in Cornwall, and this may include having a couple of drinks with friends. But please drink sensibly within recommended limits and following the Government guidelines regarding social distancing.
Safer Cornwall also publicises a wealth of information on its Alcohol pages.