THE dangers of irresponsible drinking are being highlighted as part of a week-long police campaign.

It comes as police said 72 per cent of all assaults requiring treatment were drink-related.

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A number of events are planned including awareness raising at the Fresher’s Fairs at Burnley and Blackburn College.

This weekend officers will be out on the streets at violence ‘hot spots’, where they will tackle binge drinking by issuing warnings to those heavily under the influence of alcohol, with some being asked to leave the town centre.

In the Ribble Valley, young people found in a vulnerable situation will be taken to a place of safety and spoken to by trained staff to identify any needs or interventions that are required.

And there will be increased use of drug and alcohol workers in Blackburn and Burnley custody suites.

Posters and 3,000 beermats promoting the Consequences and Challenge 25 initiatives will also be distributed.

Superintendent Samuel Mackenzie said alcohol-connected anti-social behaviour was the most common form that people experienced.

He said: “The damage alcohol does to communities and the impact it has on police resources cannot be underestimated.

“Nearly half of all violent crime in the UK is alcohol related, every weekend the emergency services have resources diverted to our town centres dealing with people who have consumed alcohol in such a way as to cause themselves or others real harm.

“Drunkenness is a big problem and we all need to do more to address this issue.

“one thing that would really help is people taking responsibility for themselves on a night out.

“If you drink excessively, you are more likely to end up becoming involved in crime – either as a victim or as the offender.

“That’s not a risk worth taking on a night out – it could have a lasting impact.”

Alcohol costs services in Lancashire around £634m a year and accounts for 10 per cent of all crime, with people who have been drinking excessively more likely to become a victim of crime, be injured or be involved in violence.

Lancashire’s week of action has been timed to coincide with ACPO’s national campaign to highlight the realities of dealing with drunkenness and alcohol-related incidents and the impact on the police service.