Violent crimes during the weekends on Gothenburg's parade street the Avenyn dropped in 2011. The number of reported crimes was slightly lower than in 2010 and 2009 according to police statistics, reports Göteborgs-Posten.
One of the police's arguments for the early closure of clubs in Gothenburg - 3:00 am instead of 5:00 am - is the violent crimes. At a recent Social Resource Committee meeting, the police presented statistics for central Gothenburg that showed how the reported cases of violent crimes are on the increase.
However when just looking at statistics for the Avenyn and adjacent side streets where many of the late night clubs are located, crimes such as robbery, battery and assault actually decreased slightly in 2011. Reported cases totalled 326, compared with 350, 340 and 322 in the three years prior.
Vice chairman of the Social Resource Committee Cecilia Wigström (the Liberals) thinks the figures are "encouraging" and that it is a pity that statistics for just the Avenyn were not presented earlier.
Bengt-Arne Reinholdson (Social Democrats), chairman of the advisory committee that manages the alcohol licences, told GP that he thinks there are still too many problems at the pubs and clubs. The issue is not about a 3:00 am or 5:00 am closure, but rather the whole environment on the Avenyn.
Tonight the Social Democrats will meet to discuss the party's position on the club closure debate.
