Media Release - Kempsey Community tackles alcohol-related crime in April09.04.08
Data from the Alcohol Action in Rural Communities (AARC) project shows that, historically, there has been a peak in alcohol-related crime in Kempsey around this time each April. Dr Anthony Shakeshaft, co-lead investigator on AARC, said that the crime data from 2001 to 2006 clearly showed that the weekend of the 12th and 13th April is high-risk for alcohol-related malicious damage, accounting for 49% of incidents in the month. The majority of which occurred in 2005 and 2006. Statistics indicate that the second weekend in April is an opportune time to implement strategies aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm: “When the cost and social impact of these crimes on the community is considered, including the need for police, ambulance and hospital resources, there is clear scope for everyone to be more responsible in the use of alcohol,” said Dr Shakeshaft. ____________________________________________________________________ | |
