Pub watch scheme starts in Dringhouses

York police and partner agencies have teamed up with local publicans in the Acomb and west side of the city to help keep licensed premises trouble free.

So far, 17 pubs in the area have signed up to a new Pub Watch scheme which aims to prevent anti-social behaviour and criminal activity in and around licensed premises, helping to create a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for customers.

Working together with the City of York Council, YBAC (York Business Against Crime) and Apex Radios, the scheme works by providing licensees with a forum to instantly share information about crime and people causing trouble in their pubs and bars. This could then lead to a person being banned from every establishment that is part of the scheme.

The scheme got off the ground thanks to the efforts of local licensee, Wendi Hyde, of the Ainsty public house in Acomb. Wendi approached North Yorkshire Police with the initial idea of starting the scheme. She said: “I wanted to start the York West Pub Watch as I was surprised we never had a scheme in place already. I think we have all worked really hard to make our pubs an enjoyable place to have a drink.

“By forming York West Pub Watch we are realising our vision to keep Acomb and the west area of York a safe place to socialise”

The Pub Watch scheme will also link in with the Shop Watch scheme which is already up and running in the area with the help of Apex Radios who provide digital radio links for retail premises across York.

Apex Radios have provided a month’s free trial so that members have instant communication with each other, including the local policing team, providing piece of mind in what can be very difficult situations.

Police Community Support Officer David Hale of York Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “Pub Watch schemes have been shown to be an effective and proven method for reducing crime and disorder and sharing information. It also improves people’s feelings of safety when out and about in licensed premises, having a positive impact on the area in which it functions.”

Jane Tams who is a board member for YBAC, added: “The YBAC board of management are positive that the pubs on the Pub Watch scheme that have taken up the offer of a month’s free trial with the radio, will not only benefit from the radio link with each other, but the sharing of information straight away will be a massive benefit to all.”

Cllr Tracey Simpson-Laing, City of York Council’s Cabinet Member for Homes and Safer Communities, added: “Safer York Partnership (SYP) has helped establish and develop York Business Against Crime,  and has introduced the Night Safe radio scheme across the city centre. I’m very pleased to welcome partners in the west of York to the scheme to work to further improve safety across York’s night time economy.”

To join the scheme or if you are interested in setting up your own, please call North Yorkshire Police on 101.

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