ISLANDERS need to address their attitudes towards alcohol in order to help keep the streets of St Helier free from drunken violence and disorder, according to Constable Simon Crowcroft.

Nearly 300 assaults have occurred on the streets, and in the pubs and clubs of St Helier this year, according to the latest police performance report. The figure is up 12 per cent compared to the same time last year. The St Helier Constable said that he was working with the assistant Home Affairs Minister, Andrew Lewis, to try to speed through laws which will make town a safer place. ‘Work is ongoing to improve licensing laws but a lot of work needs to be done. It will take time and will not happen overnight. We all agree that it is a big problem but it is a problem that will be solved. We have been working with the police and the licensing trade and everyone is concerned but members of the public also have a role to play by reducing the amount of alcohol they drink. People are drinking far more than what is good for them.’