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Press Release

DISPERSAL ZONE AGREED TO PREVENT ALCOHOL-FUELLED CRIME

29/11/05

Police powers to ban troublemakers for up to 24 hours will be re-introduced in Camden Town to prevent alcohol-related violence and street robbery over the festive season.

Camden Council agreed to another dispersal zone to start at the end of an existing zone set up in June this year. The decision follows the introduction of new licensing laws that allow people to drink later into the night.

The zone covers an area around Camden Town with the most drinking venues, including Oakley Square, St Pancras Way, Camden Road, Primrose Hill and Mornington Crescent. Police can ban groups causing trouble from the zone for up to 24 hours to diffuse problems and keep the streets safer for all. The new zone will start on 12 December and run until 16 January 2006.

The dispersal zone is one of a number of initiatives from Camden Council and the police to ensure new drinking laws do not ruin the quality of life in Camden Town. It will run alongside joint council and police operations and visits to licensed premises to ensure the terms of their licence are being met.

Cllr Jake Sumner, Camden Council’s Executive Member for Community Safety, said: "Although the vast majority of residents, visitors and businesses want a fun Christmas in Camden Town, we know violent crime escalates when large numbers get together and get drunk. The dispersal zone will be an extra tool to help police pick out the drunken troublemakers and stop trouble before it starts. It will add to the work already going on in Camden Town to make it safer including brighter lighting, Street Wardens and CCTV."

Partnership Superintendent Martin Richards, Camden Police added:

"We are committed to tackling alcohol related violence within Camden. So much so, that we are currently running joint partnership licensing visits on a regular basis. This dispersal zone will assist us in removing from the area those that wish to come to Camden and cause harassment and alarm to others.

“We support those who wish to come to Camden to celebrate Christmas with their family and friends peacefully and joyfully but will not tolerate those that drink too much and ruin the fun for others."



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Camden Council

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