LCOHOL related crime in south west Dorset has shot up 50 per cent in the past five years, according to police figures. The police figures are for the Bridport Section – which covers Bridport, Lyme Regis and Beaminster as well as surrounding villages.

They come despite overall crime falling by 6.8 per cent – 139 fewer crimes – between February, 2003 and July, 2008. The number of these where the victims were under 18 was down by 18.6 per cent.

Over this same period those flagged as ‘alcohol related’ have increased by 50 per cent.

In 2007-08, 304 anti-social behaviour incidents – 17.5 per cent of all anti-social incidents – were flagged as ‘alcohol related’.

In the 2002-03, figures 154 of all recorded crimes were listed as ‘alcohol related’, but this rose to 232 for the 2007-08.

They were revealed as police announced they were to launch their latest sensible drinking crusade in schools around the county.

Section Inspector Alan Jenkins said his officers were now ‘closely monitoring’ the increase in anti-social behaviour around the area but added part of the increase could be down to better reporting of alcohol related crime. He said officers were investigating shops and pubs that sold drink to under-age children.

Inspector Alan Jenkins said: “Overall, I am pleased with our current crime figures as they represent drops in many areas, including violent crime, burglary and theft from motor vehicles.

“We have been focusing on more accurate recording of alcohol related crimes by officers when they are taking suspects into custody.

“We are also proactively seeking complaints of anti-social behaviour through our Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs). And the enhanced local links developing with the community and SNTs is increasing confidence in the force that action will be taken. This naturally leads to more reporting.

“A number of initiatives have been set up to tackle the problem of alcohol related crime in young people, most notably the Blitz campaign, working with outreach workers, Drink and Drug Advisory service (DDAS) and analysing licensees to prevent underage drinking.”