Assault rates in and near Bathurst pubs drop

Assault rates in and around licensed premises in Bathurst have dropped more than 30% in just over five years, AHA NSW Director of Policing John Green said today.

Licensed premises assault figures are down 32.1% on 2007 levels – according to NSW Bureau of Crime Statistic and Research figures.

Mr Green said the drop in figures was a tribute to the efforts of hoteliers and the local community.

“Assault rate on licensed premises right across NSW are at their lowest levels since 1998,” he said.

“In fact, assaults in all NSW licensed premises are down an average 30% over the last five years – Bathurst has obviously done better than average with its 32.1% drop.

“I would like to praise the efforts of hoteliers and the local liquor accord which has been working hard to deal with the thugs wrecking nights out in the community.”

AHA NSW country delegate – and local publican – Andrew Rendall said there was still work that needed to be done.

“These figures are obviously welcome but we are not resting on our laurels,” he said.

“Licensees will continue to work with the Bathurst community to drive down assault rates even further.”

Mr Green said the drop in assault levels around licensed premises right across NSW put paid to suggestions by interest groups that the “Newcastle model” was the only way to go.

“On the raw data assault rates in Newcastle dropped 37% but at the cost of the night time economy – one in four jobs were lost for example and several hotels shut down,” he said.

“Figures like we have here in Bathurst show great results can be achieved and we can target criminals who insist on acting violently without using scorched earth tactics.”

Source: Australian Hotels Association, NSW, 21 August 2013