Pubs use CB link to cut drug crime

Town centre pubs in Bracknell are using a CB radio link to combat drug dealers and other troublemakers.

The pubs, all members of the Berkshire town's Pubwatch scheme, can use the radios to warn others of problems as well as to contact the police if necessary. The Pubwatch group found the cash for the radios through a local authority initiative aimed at reducing drug crime.

Licensee Christine Howells, of the Old Manor pub, said: "Pubwatch held trials of the CB radios last year, which proved it would be a big help. However, we needed funding for the scheme."

Each pub is linked to the town's control centre, which also monitors CCTV cameras. Police can react quickly to any problems reported by the centre.

Posters and beermats are being used to let potential troublemakers know that the pub is part of the link. Sharing the information means that anyone causing problems in one pub will be barred from them all.

Mrs Howells said: "We haven't had to use our radio yet, although I know that a couple of other pubs in the town have. It's already proving its worth."

Tony Rounthwaite, community safety manager for the council, said: "We launched a similar scheme in Wokingham seven years ago and had great success. In Bracknell we wanted to broaden it to bring the drugs aspect on board as well.

"The town's licensees want customers to know that they can relax in the town centre pubs."