NCJ Number
139481
Date Published
Unknown
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This report examines the extent of alcoholic beverage consumption in Wales, evidence of the link between alcohol consumption and certain crimes, and measures used to address the problem.
Abstract
The 1986 Mid-Census General Household Survey found that 45 percent of Welsh males over the age of 18 are moderate to heavy drinkers, compared to 35 percent for the rest of Great Britain. Also, expenditure on alcohol was 15 percent greater in Wales than in the rest of Great Britain, despite its relative cheapness. The association between alcohol consumption and criminal activity is relatively easy to demonstrate and is supported by both national and local research. Offenses most likely to be related to alcohol consumption are impulsive and opportunistic offending, drunk-driving offenses, other vehicle-related offenses, under-age drinking, drunkenness, disorder, incivilities, financial motivation for crime, and domestic violence and child abuse. Alcohol is also implicated in the spread of AIDS, since it increases the chances of risk-taking behavior in sex and the sharing of needles in intravenous drug use. This report recommends funding for a coordinator to work within the structure of the Co-ordinated Approach to Crime Prevention with the task of overseeing the development of strategies and interventions that address the alcohol-crime link.