A SCHEME to cut alcohol-related crime in Worcester has been so successful it is being extended across the south of the county.

The programme, which started in the city in February, aims to make offenders aware of the impact alcohol has on themselves and others by making counselling sessions a condition of their bail.

The Government initiative brings together West Mercia police, the Advisory Service on Alcohol, Crown Prosecution Service and Court Service.

When a crime has been committed, the custody sergeant decides whether alcohol has been a factor.

If it has, and the offender is charged, the sergeant makes two one-hour appointments with the Advisory Service on Alcohol.

So far, a total of 86 people have been referred to the advisory service and the programme now includes Evesham, Pershore, Droitwich and Malvern.

It has also been extended to include people charged with drink-driving.

"The sessions look at links between drink and offences, their current quality of life and the formulation of an action plan to help reduce the chances of a repeat offence," said Sgt Pete Hughes, West Mercia's licensing officer.

Offenders younger than 17 are accompanied by a parent or other adult at the sessions.

Sgt Hughes said that prior to the scheme, which is funded by the West Midlands Crime Reduction and Social Inclusion Unit, there were no mechanisms in place to help offenders affected by drink.

"Hopefully, this programme will have a positive impact on the person and will show the court their willingness to try and help themselves which can be taken into consideration at the time of sentencing."

Andrew Collins, from the Advisory Service on Alcohol, said the service was receiving nine referrals a week, on average, with a 70 per cent attendance rate.

"Seven of the people referred to us so far have realised that they have a drink problem and are now clients, regularly attending sessions."

Magistrate Catherine Lane, chairman of the bench for south Worcestershire, said she and her colleagues welcomed the initiative.

"Magistrates often hear mitigation in court about the use and abuse of alcohol, which has lead to a variety of offences.

"Any initiative to reduce this type of offence has to be beneficial to the local community."

Last year, 22,573 crimes were committed in south Worcestershire with almost one in 10 of these (2,132) related to alcohol.