Alcohol Action in Rural Communities (AARC) research officer Stephanie Love spoke to those in attendance about ways to reduce alcohol related crime on the identified weekends and the results of the recent identified weekend.

Inverell community members and representatives successfully worked together to reduce the peak rate of alcohol assaults in Inverell a fortnight ago.

Ms Love said only one assault was recorded, compared to an average of two for the same weekend from 2001-07.

“This saved about $22,000 due to less demand on police and medical staff,” she said.

“However, three malicious damage incidents were recorded compared to an average of two across the past seven years.

“Although there was an increase in malicious damages, the outcome of a reduction in assaults is very encouraging.

“We are optimistic that similar results will be found by targeting future high risk weekends in Inverell.”

The strategy was the third time it has been conducted in town.

The efforts included Inverell Police Sergeant Darren Williams prioritising high visibility over the weekend and Inverell Shire Mayor Barry Johnston writing to hotels, clubs, and bottle shops requesting they be extra vigilant and take a more strategic approach to security by working cooperatively with the police.

Cr Johnston has welcomed these actions to reduce alcohol-related crime and is pleased the community is enthusiastic about working together on alcohol related interventions.

“These results show how a relatively inexpensive but a more coordinated effort between different groups in the community can result in a reduction of alcohol related harm”, he said.

The AARC project is continuing to work with Inverell to support other effective strategies geared towards reducing alcohol harm.

Other items discussed at the meeting included CCTV cameras to be installed in the CBD.

Inverell Police Inspector Rowan O’Brien said he would be speaking with the Crime Prevention Officer to discuss funding for security cameras at the taxi rank.

All Inverell taxis will also be fitted with security cameras from September 1.

Inverell Radio Cabs president Pat Orchard said it was part of new legislation.

“It will definitely make the cabs safer and deter people from doing the wrong thing,” Mr Orchard said.

The next meeting of the Inverell and District Liquor Accord is on Tuesday, October 14 and will be held at the Inverell RSM Club.