Statement of Licensing Policy (2008) WCC - Westminster City Council

29. Police statistics often give an incomplete picture of the level of disturbances occurringlate at night. This has been highlighted in the statement provided by Acting ChiefInspector Scott: “It is clear to me that there are many instances of antisocial behaviourgo unreported. This is because of the acceptance that the police are unlikely torespond quickly enough to catch the people responsible. There is also concernamongst residents that police response times to their 999 calls do not meet theirexpectations. This is frequently due to offi cers dealing with incidents at or in relation tolicensed premises.”30. Another instance of under-recording is that fi gures for arrests per hour in the earlyhours of the morning often show a decline in the number of arrests as the night wearson. This often does not refl ect any lessening of offences being committed, but ratherthe lower number of police offi cers still on the street because other police offi cers areat the police station dealing with those arrested earlier in the night.Opportunities for crime31. Crowds of people on the streets late at night can create a sense of anonymity andpeople can believe that they can indulge in anti-social behaviour without the risk ofeffective sanctions being applied. The crowds also provide opportunities for crime andcover for drug dealers, pickpockets and street robbers.Violent crimes by types of premises32. A study of crime reports in licensed premises in Westminster over April 2006 to March2007, indicates that for every 10 restaurants there were just over 3 violent incidentsin the year. This compares to 6 for every 10 pub/restaurants and 42 for every 10nightclubs.138