VIOLENT crime and muggings have fallen since the introduction of the new licensing laws, new figures have revealed.
Incidents of violent crime in Greenwich borough fell by nearly a fifth in the first month the laws came into force, compared with the same period last year.
The figures, published in a council cabinet committee report, also show a 23 per cent reduction in street crimes such as muggings and bag snatches.
The reduction in crime comes after the introduction of Operation Grape, a joint crackdown between council officers and police.
The £140,000 operation has seen extra police officers deployed in the borough's main town centres to make sure the new laws are being enforced.
Under the new Licensing Act, which came into force on November 24 last year, pubs and licensed premises can apply to stay open for up to 24 hours a day.
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