Metro alcohol ban reducing crime

Banning alcohol on the Tyne and Wear Metro network has helped reduce violence and vandalism, operators said.

Figures show that since the alcohol exclusion zone was brought in a year ago, incidents of violence have fallen by 25% and criminal damage by 20%.

Other measures have included more powerful CCTV systems and more staff travelling on the system.

The ban means police and staff of Metro operator Nexus can eject anybody caught drinking on trains and at stations.

Acting Insp Steve Murray, from the Metro Police Unit, said: "This has given us the power to arrest people for drinking on the trains and to confiscate alcohol and this has had a direct effect on reducing levels of disorder and drink-related violence.

Nip in the bud

"It has been particularly useful in dealing with youths who travel about on trains with bottles and cans of beer.

"In the past the problem has been that drink-fuelled trouble would often escalate when they get off the train, but we can now nip that in the bud, removing the problem at source and take the appropriate action before it gets that far."

The ban means it is an offence to have an open container of alcohol, whether that person is causing trouble or not. Offenders face having alcohol confiscated and a fine of up to £500.

Nexus director general Mike Parker said: "The alcohol exclusion zone on the Metro has undoubtedly helped us rid the system of the kind of anti-social behaviour we have been working hard to combat."