70,000 CRIMES DIRECTLY LINKED TO ALCOHOL

MISUSE of alcohol was directly involved in almost 70,000 crimes last year. The startling statistic highlights the destructive impact alcohol continues to have on society.

Official Central Statistics Office figures show there are around 5,000 more alcohol-related crimes committed annually than there were six years ago.

This is due to a sharp increase in disorderly conduct — public order and drunkenness offences — and assaults.