OPERATION SUMMER NIGHTS 2007 1st July - 31st August
OPERATION SUMMER NIGHTS 2007 is a multi-agency campaign that aims to tackle and prevent alcohol related anti-social behaviour across Lancashire in the summer months.
While many people enjoy drinking socially and in a way that doesn't cause anyone else any problems, a growing number frequently drink large amounts of alcohol in a short space of time that sometimes results in criminal behaviour or in serious health problems. These people need to be aware of the impact their behaviour can have on others.
Operation Summer Nights is a campaign to make sure that people don't have to suffer from the consequences of disrespectful behaviour. The campaign looks at everyone who is behaving anti-socially, as it impacts on the quality of life for young and old people alike and is carried out by people from all ages and backgrounds.
The Operation Summer Nights partnership doesn't want to stop anyone enjoying alcohol - but does want people to drink sensibly in a way that won't cause harm to themselves or other people.
Celebrating Young People AwardsAs part of this year's campaign we will be holding an Operation Summer Nights 'Celebration of Young People Awards' event. Do you know a young person who goes that extra mile to help make their community a better place to live? Have you got your very own 'unsung community hero' just waiting to be rewarded? Do you think they should be recognised for their efforts? If the answer is 'Yes' and they are under 18 years old and live in Lancashire then enter them for an Operation Summer Nights 'Celebration of Young People Award' and help them get the credit they deserve. Young people are often feel singled out and blamed for anti-social behaviour so this year, the OSN campaign is placing a strong emphasis on how we can celebrate young people from all communities and walks of life who are contributing to making Lancashire a safer place, who may have committed acts of bravery or who have successfully turned their lives around. Its about being positive about young people for a change and giving them a platform to shout about their achievements and their lives. We know that in every community in Lancashire there are young people who go that extra mile for others and inspire those around them. The aim is to recognise the commitment, energy and enthusiasm of these young people. For further information you can contact myself or the awards team for more information via email celebratingyoungpeople@lancashire.pnn.police.uk . The closing date for nominations is 31st July 2007. Please get in touch if you would like nomination packs or awards posters. Please could you communicate information about the awards and ways to nominate to all members of staff in your school. Click here to see the awards press release Click here to see the Awards information - Click here to nominate online |
What does Operation Summer Nights cover?ACTIONS that result from people drinking too much alcohol,
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Working together yields resultsIN 2006 Operation Summer Nights saw considerable success: All recorded crime fell by over 10% between June and August last year while violent crime reduced by 13%. Crimes of arson and criminal damage also reduced by 7% and 8% respectively. There were nearly 30,000 seizures of alcohol and 19,000 visits to anti-social behaviour hotspots. Over 2000 fixed penalty notices for disorder were issued. Over 5,400 visits were made to licenced premises with over 200 test purchase operations with Trading Standards.84% of people asked in a survey said that the campaign had made them feel more reassured. |
Who is involved?The Operation Summer Nights partnership includes: Lancashire Constabulary Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service The Maritime and Coastguard Agency North West Ambulance Trust Lancashire Trading Standards Blackpool Trading Standards The Crown Prosecution Service Lancashire Partnership for Road Safety The Lancashire, Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen Youth Offending Teams Lancashire Youth and Community Service The Lancashire Criminal Justice Board Lancashire County Council Blackburn with Darwen Council Blackpool Borough Council each of the Borough Crime and Disorder Partnerships Central Lancashire PCT Blackpool PCT Connexions Lancashire Lancashire Police Authority The Lancashire Young Person's Alcohol Project The Lancashire Drugs and Alcohol Action Team. |
What is anti-social behaviour?Complaints of anti-social behaviour made to the police are often not cases of anti-social behaviour at all. For example, a group of young people meeting on a street corner is not in itself being anti-social. However, if they start to let off fireworks, knock over a garden wall or shout abuse at passers-by, their behaviour is obviously anti-social! The following list sets out what the police classify as anti-social behaviour:
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What is criminal damage?Criminal damage is when someone intentionally destroys or damages property that belongs to someone else. It is sometimes called vandalism and can include private property as well as publicly owned property such as bus shelters and park benches. It also includes arson where a person deliberately sets out to destroy or damage property by setting it on fire. |
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Why do we need to tackle anti-social behaviour and criminal damage?Research has shown that many of these types of crimes and behaviours cause people to feel unsafe. In some areas where lots of this activity takes place, people can feel very scared and may alter what they do to avoid places or situations for example, by not going out after dark. The research also shows that much of this behaviour and its consequences are the result of people drinking too much. For example:
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For further information contactInspector Judith Finney, Operations Support Kathy Stacey, Marketing Manager |
01772 410559