Disorder: We can’t cope, say police

Tuesday 30th October 2007, 12:00AM GMT.

THE police cannot cope with increasing violence and disorder in St Helier on their own, according to States police chief Graham Power.

Officers are being pulled out of other units in order to try to keep the streets safe at night. But the latest crime figures show that they may be losing the battle. Overall recorded crime is down, but violence and drunken disorder are up. Mr Power is calling for more officers, increased powers to close down problem pubs, and a review of licensing laws to help combat the problems. Nine rapes have also been reported to police in the first nine months of this year. Three suspects have been charged, and six are still under investigation.

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