Alcohol has emerged as the major influence behind crime in Mid Wales, according to a new report to county councillors and the community safety partnership.
The joint strategic assessment report, which provides details of priority issues in the battle against crime and disorder, states that violent crime and domestic abuse are often fuelled by alcohol, while drink-driving remains a priority issue.
The report was due to go before Powys County Council’s principal scrutiny and crime and disorder committee yesterday (Thursday).
“There is a strong element of alcohol-related violent crime,” the report says. “Alcohol-related crime and disorder is still a pressing issue. Research suggests that as many as 65 per cent of domestic abuse incidents are alcohol related.
“The evidence points towards domestic abuse being an issue warranting more detailed analysis and emerging as a priority for the community safety partnership; particularly concerning the impact it can have on other vulnerable family members – collateral damage.”
And the report states: “Alcohol is the drug of choice in Powys, and referrals for alcohol misuse have increased over the reporting period.”
Besides alcohol-related crime, road safety has emerged as an enduring and pressing priority, with an increasing number of fatalities during 2009 and high-risk groups causing concern including both young and more mature age groups and LGV vehicle types.
But the report states that other crimes have been reduced, including anti-social behaviour and acquisitive crime.
“Anti-social behaviour may be reducing as an issue, and the indications are that acquisitive crime levels are reducing in line with the national trend,” it says.
But the report adds that “increasingly desirable personal technology” such as i-Phones, SatNavs and laptops are attracting more criminal attention, resulting in thefts from unattended motor vehicles, personal thefts and burglaries.