East & West Midlands

Herefordshire Against Night-time Disorder

Herefordshire Against Night-time Disorder (HAND) is successfully tightening its grip on alcohol-induced crime with a strict "banned from one, banned from all" policy. HAND was formed in October 2004 and now has nearly 50 outlets in Hereford affiliated to the scheme, which is driven by Litten Tree joint manager Paul Neades, assisted by fellow joint manager Beckie Ellsum.

Building on success

Paul says: "We have achieved a reduction in crime and disorder in the city centre and our profile in the night-time economy has been raised."

The scheme, strongly backed by the local authority and police, has been so successful that it has now been rolled out to the nearby market towns of Leominster, Ross-on-Wye and Kington. The Herefordshire division of West

Mercia Constabulary acknowledges the major role HAND members have played in curbing trouble.

Chief inspector Adam Thomas says: "Over time, we have seen significant moderation in offending behaviour by individuals who have either been subject to a HAND ban or have been made aware of the scheme in other ways."

Enforcing the bans

The scheme's members are encouraged to join the city-centre radio network, which links pubs and clubs to Hereford's CCTV control room and police mobile units.

Lawbreakers - whether they are involved in drugs, violence, carrying weapons or disorderly behaviour - can find themselves barred from city-centre venues for three, six or 12 months.

Photographs of those convicted of offences and issued with banning orders are circulated to members to ensure that bans can be enforced.

Troublemakers move on

Since December 2005, HAND has collaborated with West Mercia Crimestoppers to produce 100,000 drip mats. The mats promote the "banned from one, banned from all" message, as well as encouraging sensible drinking during the festive season.

Paul says: "Troublemakers have moved away from licensed premises and one-off

offenders have learned the hard way by

getting banned. All this has been made

possible by everyone working together."