With the approach of summer (we hope!) comes the excitement of the World Cup for all football fans in Wyre Forest.

We expect that there will be an increase in the amount of alcohol consumed during the World Cup and that emotions will be running high, not just for England fans, but for fans of other countries as well. Unfortunately, this can lead to an increase in violent crime, criminal damage and anti social behaviour.

Home Office statistics from the last World Cup show domestic abuse rose by 31 per cent per day on each of England’s five games in the tournament, with alcohol being a factor.

Nearly half (40 per cent) of all suspects in domestic abuse cases were drunk at the time of the crime. The problem was not football, but those who used it as an excuse for violent behaviour.

We want everyone to enjoy themselves during the World Cup, but it can be easy for situations to turn violent, so we are appealing to people to walk away and not get involved.

To raise awareness of these issues, we are involved in a county-wide alcohol related violence and domestic abuse campaign, which will use poster vans, taxis and posters in public places. Alcohol-related violence, criminal damage and anti social behaviour is unacceptable in Wyre Forest and we are working closely with our partner agencies to prevent crime and disorder and to ensure help and support is available for anyone who needs it.

Wyre Forest residents can report domestic abuse in confidence by calling West Mercia Police on 0300 333 3000 or talk to dedicated counsellors by phoning the County Helpline number 0800 980 3331. In an emergency always dial 999.

For further information on alcohol and its effects, go online to drinking.nhs.uk or call Drinkline on 0800 917 8282.

n On a different note, it’s almost carnival time, so do please come and see us at Bewdley Carnival on June 12 and Kidderminster Carnival on June 19.

For more information on the activities of the Wyre Forest Community Safety Partnership visit wyreforestdc.gov.uk or contact the WFCSP Support Team by emailing community.safety@wyre forestdc.gov.uk or telephone 01562 732929.

HELEN DYKE Chairman