ArcAngel - Tackling alcohol-related crime

Alcohol-related crime is any offence committed by someone whose actions are influenced by alcohol, or who breaks licensing laws. This includes:

  • selling alcohol to underage children,
  • violence or public disorder fuelled by booze,
  • drink driving,
  • and many of the domestic abuse incidents that the police have to deal with.

Cheshire Police is determined to tackle alcohol-related crime and disorder so that people are safe and feel safe. We recognise the scale of the problem and understand how drunken behaviour undermines public confidence and adds to the fear of crime.

Drunken behaviour is very visible and, in some communities, it deters people from going out at night and gives the impression that the streets or town centres are not safe after dark.

We are working hard to tackle alcohol-related crime in licensed premises and off licenses, the streets and in the home.

What is ArcAngel?

ArcAngel is the joint approach to tackling alcohol-related crime between Cheshire Police and a range of other agencies, including local councils, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and NHS trusts. We use a range of strategies and powers to deal with alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour.

We aim to:

  • encourage responsible drinking, discourage binge drinking and drinking in public
  • target hotspot locations and prolific and persistent offenders of alcohol-related violent crime
  • help reduce the number of incidents of alcohol-related serious woundings, common assaults and Accident and Emergency admissions
  • improve the care and support for victims and witnesses of alcohol-related violent crime
  • help people feel safer during a night out
  • raise public awareness of the issues of alcohol-related violence and disorder and the penalties that will be imposed against offenders.