Types of Offences

Types of offences related to alcohol can be distinguished as follows.  

Alcohol-Induced Offences - Offences, induced by alcohol, which result in criminal behaviour e.g. assault, criminal damage etc. A mixture of cultural, social and personal factors in addition to situational ones influences aggressive behaviour. The “escalation” from a minor altercation into a major incident of public disorder can be influenced by the amount of alcohol consumed, the dis-inhibiting effects of alcohol on those associated with the event and the social context within which the event takes place.

Alcohol-Inspired crime - Offences, which are driven by the need to use alcohol e.g. shoplifting to obtain drink or to sell goods in exchange for, drink. These offences are more commonly associated with dependent/street drinkers.

Alcohol-linked crime - Offences where alcohol is a contributory factor e.g as “dutch courage”; a trigger for aggression or as an excuse for offending behaviour.