Town bars install metal detectors to fight crime
METAL detectors have been installed at Widnes and Runcorn’s main nightspots after a rise in knife crime, a review of the borough’s nightlife has reported.
Borough safety chiefs are due to receive an update on the matter at an upcoming meeting on February 20, with papers outlining how the devices have been fitted due to five incidents involving blades and involving license venues.
The Halton Council report said three suspects have been arrested and charged with multiple offences thanks to the actions of staff and management.
It added that police had praised the ‘professionalism and assistance’ of door staff in detaining offenders following violent incidents at Chambers in Runcorn and The Establishment in Widnes.
The report said there has been a ‘marked increase’ in knife crime in the borough.
Details of concerns over blades were part of a much broader overview of ongoing issues relating to the two towns’ night time economies.
These included licensing wrangling with Turkish Kebab takeaway in Runcorn, which has received a formal warning due to opening past permitted hours and on four occasions has been told to close by the police.
It was reported that the licence holder has surrendered the licence.
Councillors are also due to receive a review of the Christmas period, said to have been ‘ successful’ with ‘ very few incidents’ and fewer than in 2016, although there were some issues with takeaways complying with licence conditions. ●
Licensing visits have resulted in five arrests for immigration offences, two deportations and two arrests for drugs.
The report said The Royal in Runcorn is now the borough’s busiest venue, but this has brought a ‘steady increase in incidents’ and the recruitment of door company Elite and a floor walker for spotting ‘customers overindulging’ and these steps had reversed the rise.
The Blundell Arms in Cronton was placed on an action plan after a brawl caused by a domestic dispute.
As a result, the owners have appointed an experienced door supervisor, the report said.
At another Widnes venue, Volt on Victoria Road, the management left after conceding that they were not experienced enough for a town centre venue.