Pubwatch bans troublemakers

Tuesday October 27, 2009

You’re barred! If you hear these words in Shepherds Bush you won’t just be excluded from your favourite watering hole you will be barred from more than 30 bars and pubs around the Green.

Three troublemakers can expect a thirsty future after they were barred from all of the licensed premises in the Shepherds Bush Pubwatch scheme. Two were barred for attempted theft and a third for impersonating a security guard in an attempt to swindle cash.

Hammersmith & Fulham has two active Pubwatch groups – with the second active scheme in Fulham town centre. There are also plans in the pipeline for a third scheme to cover Hammersmith town centre.

The Pubwatch schemes are set up and run by licensees in an attempt to reduce crime and disorder in pubs and clubs.

Supported by the council and police Pubwatch works by creating links between licensees, allowing information – such as the identity of troublemakers – to be passed quickly between each other and police. It also provides a useful forum for sharing problems and solutions.

Shepherds Bush Pubwatch Coordinator Tammi Willis, from popular nightclub Ginglik, says: “The main benefit of Pubwatch is the information sharing that goes on between licensed premises.

“We have just excluded two people for bag dipping and – thanks to Pubwatch – these criminals are now not welcome in any pub or club stretching all the way up Askew Road and back down Uxbridge Road to The Green.”

Pubwatch members have access to images and details of anyone who has been barred in the area. Each member is also issued with a mobile phone – with every other member’s contact number – enabling Police and pub managers to stay in close contact during particularly busy times like football match days.

Praising the Pubwatch schemes Cllr Belinda Donovan, Assistant Cabinet Member for Crime & Street Scene, says: “The council is delighted to be working closely with the Police and these proactive pub mangers to drive down crime in the borough further. Pubwatch is a simple, low cost initiative that is very effective in deterring crime.”

If you would like to find out more about Shepherds Bush Pubwatch click on: www.shepherdsbushpubwatch.co.uk (opens new window).