Police Website

How to get smashed video targets alcohol related violence in the county.

The aim of the campaign is to convey to young adults who drink a substantial amount of alcohol before they go on a night out, that it could lead to out of character and violent behaviour.

The “How to” approach, common in today’s internet age, is designed to encourage the target audience to watch the video. However, by the end they are presented with the potentially devastating reality of drinking too much and the affect it could have on their lives, as well as that of their victims.

The force has chosen to use social media channels such as YouTube and Facebook on which to post the new video, as they are channels that young adults regularly engage with.

Chief Superintendent Chris Lewis said: “Alcohol related violence is a far-reaching issue across the whole of the country. Last year Warwickshire recorded the largest decrease in incidents of violence by any police force and this came following a steady decrease during the culminating years.

“However, during the last 12 months there have been a few occasions when violence has increased in Warwickshire, particularly around the World Cup period last summer, Halloween in November 2010 and during the New Year period.

“The force is extremely keen to ensure our focus on continually reducing violence year on year, and therefore we want to address the causes behind these peaks when violence occurs.

“Alcohol appears to be at the heart of the problem.

“Over *58% of crimes in which an 18-21 year old was charged with an offence of violence in Warwickshire were alcohol related and, together with partners, we hope to significantly reduce this figure. This cannot be done without changing the cultural mindset of people.

“Today it is thought socially acceptable by many to go out and get ‘wasted’. This is not the case and police will not tolerate any alcohol related violence in our communities.

“Most people go out, enjoy themselves and behave in a responsible manner, but we aim to remind the minority who do engage in violent behaviour that they have a choice over their actions.

“The force is committed to providing the best possible protection from serious violence and believes that everyone should be able to live, work and visit Warwickshire without fear of violence.”

Out of *330 18-21 year olds involved in alcohol related violence, 166 were charged with a serious violence offence.

Local partners such as universities have also been contacted to support the campaign.

You can also support the campaign via facebook Visit www.facebook.com/warwickshirepolice and click on the “Share” button, which will post a link to the video on your wall.

www.drinkaware.co.uk

*(March 2010 to February 2011).