ALCOHOL-fuelled attacks in Bournemouth town centre cost a staggering £10 million each year, it has been revealed.

Shocking new crime statistics show there were 1,197 recorded assaults and public order offences during the past year - a 28 per cent rise on the previous year.

There is, on average, eight attacks from 10pm until 3am every Friday and Saturday night when control room staff deal with at least one incident every six minutes.

Dorset police strategic analyst, Bournemouth-based PC Derek Johnson said: "Our figures show that almost three quarters of all assaults in the town centre - 74 per cent - are alcohol related.

"Every serious wounding costs the health service £13,000 and the figure soars to £130,000 when you take into account the cost of emergency ser-vices and criminal justice system.

"That's a huge bill for local tax-payers to pick up. Part of the rise in assault and public order crimes is due to more officers on the streets and new police practices but the statistics are still very worrying."

The figures are revealed as Dorset police unveil new plans to combat anti-social behaviour and alcohol related crime in Bournemouth town centre.

Divisional commander Chief Supt Bob Boulton was due to announce details of the force's new five-year strategy at a Safer Bournemouth Seminar at AFC Bournemouth Fitness First Stadium in King's Park today.

Police and council chiefs will be joined by representatives from the legal profession, local licensed premises and drinks companies.

Last month a crack new police squad Operation Globe, which had previously focused on drug-related crime, was launched to target trouble on licensed premises and Bournemouth's streets.

Alcohol Licensing Enforcement (ALE) officer Sgt Chris Weeks said: "We are trying to build bridges with all licensed premises in Bournemouth, providing a visible police presence in pubs and clubs every Friday and Saturday night.

"Other plans include running a responsible drinking campaign in the run-up to Christmas, aimed at the 18-24 age group who are most at risk from the dangers of binge drinking."

New statistics show the South West's car crime bill has rocketed by 188 per cent in the past year with the average smash and grab raid costing £742 - the highest in Britain.

First published: Oct 25