East Anglia
Peterborough Centre Safe
"Socialise responsibly - get a nightlife, don't get a ban" is the message that Peterborough Centre Safe (PCS) is drumming into people out for the night in the city. PCS was founded in 2002 to reduce disorder and works in partnership with the police and organisations such as the local authority and city-centre management.
Getting rid of bad image
This partnership has helped reduce night-time crime by 19% during the past year. Apart from reducing alcohol or drug-induced crime, PCS has helped find missing children, assisted in apprehending shoplifters and helped vulnerable people such as a person suffering from Alzheimer's disease.
Even so, PCS treasurer and general manager of the Brewery Tap, Stuart Wright, says:
"Much of PCS's good work has gone
unnoticed because adverse publicity about the city centre at night has undermined the excellent efforts of our members."
Stuart says the perception that Peterborough isn't safe at night had led to PCS members reporting a 30% drop in footfall on Thursday to Saturday nights. To overcome this perception, PCS has mounted an intensive campaign with posters and flyers to promote city-centre venues as places that welcome those who socialise responsibly.
Zero tolerance brings results
Scheme members have to abide by a constitution based on responsible drinks retailing, which includes a zero tolerance policy towards anyone involved in drink, drug,
violent or serious anti-social acts. This policy has been rammed home using banning and exclusion orders.
In 2005, 32 offenders received court exclusion orders, which means that they are guilty of a criminal offence if they try to buy a drink in any outlet belonging to the PCS.
In the last year, members have been involved in initiatives such as introducing drink-spiking test kits, conducting weapons amnesties, handing out lollipops to people leaving venues in a bid to stop noisy behaviour and introducing safe haven points in the city.
Brewery Tap manager Jessica Loock (pictured with Stuart) says these and other measures are working: "Peterborough is now a much better place at night."
