Police launch ‘smart clubbing’ campaign
Public entertainment outlets take steps to reduce crimes in their establishments
Staff at nightspots have been trained to be more vigilant for patrons who are too intoxicated to take care of themselves, and be proactive in preventing disputes from escalating into fights.
Clubbers will also be greeted with posters and noticeboards warning them about common crimes at public entertainment nightspots, in an effort to reduce offences in these areas.
These are some of the efforts to fight common crimes associated with public entertainment outlets - such as molestation, theft and rioting - in a "smart clubbing" campaign launched by the police yesterday.
It is supported by the National Crime Prevention Council and major public entertainment outlets in Clarke Quay, Orchard Road, Marina Bay and Sentosa.
The launch also unveiled a campaign video featuring local artist Irene Ang as a clubber who adopts measures to protect herself.
Some clubs, including Zouk, have introduced their own crime prevention measures.
Its general manager, Mr Wayne Lee, 38, said the Clarke Quay nightspot has trained ground staff, including bartenders and managers, to prevent disputes from escalating into fights and also to remind customers not to leave belongings unattended.
It has also added drawers to its tables and sofas, so that customers can keep their valuables safe from theft, he added.
The effort comes after mid-year crime statistics released last month showed that molestation cases at nightspots increased by 37 per cent compared with the same period last year, from 46 cases to 63 cases.
These cases are therefore "one key crime which the police will continue to strengthen their work on", said Ms Sun Xueling, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Home Affairs and National Development, during the launch held at Zouk.
A high proportion of violent cases tend to occur in the wee hours, she added, citing how one in two of serious hurt cases and three in four rioting cases at nightspots last year occurred between 3am and 5am.
While business owners have a vital role in raising awareness through crime advisory noticeboards and posters at their premises, individuals must also safeguard themselves against being a victim of crime, Ms Sun added.
Undergraduate Juliette Lim, 22, who goes to nightspots several times a month, welcomes the campaign though she is uncertain about the effectiveness of posters to raise awareness. "Maybe the clubs can also get DJs to make announcements to remind clubbers not to leave their belongings unattended and to seek help from staff if needed," she added.
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