'Non Residents Responsible for bulk of Anti-social Behaviour'

1.09.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 26th Jul 2004

The latest police analysis shows that of the 168 arrests in the borough, for drunkenness, graffiti and public order offences, 70% were non-residents. Of the 168 arrested, only 85 were charged.

Vincent Cable said that "these figures are a stark illustration of the problems that have been created by the reckless expansion of licensing capacity in Twickenham and Richmond. Thousands of visitors are coming in from surrounding boroughs to drink themselves silly and make a major nuisance of themselves. Residents and the local police have to put up with the consequences. That is why the council must consult properly with local residents before the new licensing policy comes into effect in six months time".

Vincent Cable said he was also "struck by the disparity between the number of arrests and the numbers charged. One explanation could be the shortage of cells in the police station. I received a hopeless, feeble, reply from the Met Police telling me that there is nothing which can be done about the problem because of lack of capital funding. As a consequence people who should be in custody are released back on the streets. Appalling!"