Assaults Decline

Newcastle Herald

Saturday November 29, 2008

MARTIN DINNEEN

THE hotels lockout in the Newcastle CBD and earlier closing for nightspots are turning the tide against city violence, police have said.

But critics believe the measures have not gone far enough.

Newcastle local area police commander Superintendent Max Mitchell said yesterday a survey of assaults in the CBD between March 20 and November 1 showed the success of the initiative.

The number of assaults reported between 3am and 6am fell to 17 from 37 in the corresponding period for the previous year, to 77 from 113 between 1.30am and 6am and to 134 from 167 between 10pm and 6am.

"The measures are achieving significant results," Superintendent Mitchell said.

Community action leader Tony Brown said the fact remained that 80 per cent of assaults in the CBD took place in trading hours of pubs and clubs.

"This clearly proves that reducing the time alcohol is sold is the single most important factor in reducing the number of assaults," he said.

"The current total of reported assaults, 134, over the last 34 weeks is still far too high, particularly when only a very small proportion are actually reported to police."

The Liquor Administration Board issued a second review of conditions in the CBD this month, saying the measures were ineffective so far.

"There is sufficient material to persuade the board that undue disturbance to the quiet and good order of the neighbourhood of Newcastle CBD continues," the report said.

Superintendent Mitchell said police were preparing for a busy holiday season, when the number of patrons heading to the CBD increased, as did alcohol consumption.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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