Pubs praised on radio link

Pub landlords in Kidderminster were yesterday praised by police for helping to stamp out violence by shopping troublemakers through a radio link system.

About a dozen publicans from Kidderminster's Licensing Association used their radios to pass information for police to tackle town centre nuisances.

West Mercia Police launched Operation Magnum to combat a sharp rise in violent crime during weekends.

Over the past two weekends four people were arrested in Kidderminster on suspicion of drug offences after tip-offs from landlords, new figures yesterday revealed.

One was cautioned for drug possession and another two arrested on suspicion of being in possession of illegal drugs. They were released on police bail pending further inquiries.

In the same period police issued five people with warnings for committing public order offences including being drunk and disorderly and urinating in a public place. Anyone receiving three such cautions will be banned from all town centre pubs for six months.

People have been warned they risk a ban from all licensed premises taking part in the scheme if they are dealt with again for alcohol-related violence or anti-social behaviour within three months. Fixed penalties have also been issued to some for yob behaviour.

Sgt Louise Meeson said yesterday that high-visibility policing had been stepped up in the town centre. "We are very pleased with the co-operation we have had from Kidderminster Licensing Association and it shows how good partnership working can be," she said.

"Licensees are playing their part and working with us to make the town a safer place. Drink and drugs fuel violence and I think the message is getting through to people now that licensees will turn them away or eject them if they are misbehaving and spoiling the night for the majority."

By Sol Buckner