The ‘Pubwatch’ scheme in Bangor has been hailed a success by North Wales Police, by reducing incidents of drunken violence and other crimes, after the introduction of a ‘WhatsApp’ group geared specifically for licensee’s and their staff.
Pubwatch in Bangor was established several years ago as a joint venture between local Police and Licensed Premises the focus being to achieve a safe, secure and responsibly led social drinking environment in all licensed premises and thereby reduce alcohol-related crime.
The scheme has moved on a long way from members having to attend monthly meetings to be informed of individuals facing banning orders or intelligence about known trouble makers and since the start on 2017 members can communicate and be updated immediately by a bespoke ‘WhatsApp’ group set up on North Wales Police provided mobile phones allowing the instant and timely passing of messages.
Martin Angus licensee of the Varsity in Bangor and Chairman of the Pubwatch group who manage the scheme said ‘The ‘What’s App’ group has proved an invaluable tool in combating ASB across members bars and clubs. It allows the early and immediate sharing of information about known trouble makers, banned persons or potential flash points and gives our staff the opportunity to nip any trouble ‘in the bud’ or summon Police support before more serious trouble occurs. Not only does this provide a safer environment for all our customers and city visitors but it also provides reassurance to staff who are therefore less likely to face physical confrontations’
The App also allows Police to share information about crime taking place in licensed premises or even vulnerable or missing people believed to frequent certain pubs or clubs and therefore helps reduce demand on local Police.
PC Lisa Thomas at Bangor Police Station who assists coordinate the scheme said: “It’s simply about helping keep people safe, be they pub or clubs goers, licensed premises staff or even visitors to the city in the vicinity of pub and clubs. The App has proved invaluable in allowing us to quickly identify potential trouble spots, or makers, and for appropriate, proportionate and immediate action by either staff or Police to address the specific issue. It’s also proved vital when looking for missing and vulnerable people and so helps reduce demand too.
I’d also like to extend our thanks to the Venue Secretary of Bangor and Bacbac for supporting the purchase of phones and Vodafone Bangor for their continued support in the running of the group.’
Martin Angus added ‘The system is very user friendly, efficient and proven to be very effective and can only get better with more participants. Pubwatch is getting stronger, but could be stronger still if every licensed premises were on board’
For further information or details of joining Pubwatch you can email Chairman Martin Angus at info@varsitybangor.co.uk. Alternatively contact PC Lisa Thomas at Bangor Police Station 07896 170 409 or Lisa.Thomas@nthwales.pnn.police.uk
Photo: North Wales Police
