POLICE in Cheshire will be spending time this week highlighting the problems of alcohol abuse in the county.

During the week police will be highlighting the effects that excessive drinking can have on the community and those it impacts.

There will be a number of activities during the week including licensing checks, ensuring compliance of alcohol exclusion zones and working with local authorities and Trading Standards to ensure that premises get the support they need to ensure the people of Cheshire are safe when enjoying a night out.

Insp Richard Spedding, who is coordinating the Cheshire Police activity, said "The message is one of reminding people of the dangers of excessive drinking. As well as the health issues involved, alcohol can affect the way you behave, leading to you making decisions which you would not normally make.

"These decisions can leave you vulnerable and an easy target for criminals as well as affecting your judgment, possibly putting you at risk of injury or harm.

"Of course the ArcAngel Protected Town scheme is an integral part of any alcohol initiative that we do and this is no exception. The scheme helps to create a safe night time economy, where people can be reassured that the licensed premises they visit are well managed, regulated and safe places to enjoy a night out."

Excessive drinking also increases the likelihood of you committing a crime.

Almost half of all violent crime is alcohol related and nearly half of offenders in domestic abuse cases are thought to be under the influence of alcohol.

Insp Spedding added: "This week isn’t about cracking down and catching as many people as we can for alcohol related crime.

"It’s about encouraging the people of Cheshire to take care and be sensible whilst they are out enjoying themselves. We will work with all our partners which includes the licensing trade to ensure that alcohol is supplied in a safe and responsible manner.

"For us, a successful week will be one where we are able to report that alcohol related incidents have gone down and that our officers have been able to spend time concentrating on other issues."