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Violence Falls 12% As Alcohol Prices Increase

An increase in alcohol prices has led to a 12% fall in violent crime in England and Wales, according to a new survey.

Researchers from Cardiff University found just under 235,000 people were treated in hospital after a violent incident in 2013 - nearly 33,000 fewer than 2012.

They said there is a clear link between a fall in binge drinking, which has become more expensive in recent years, and better behaviour.

There has been a steady decrease in violent crime every year for the past six years.

Professor Jonathan Shepherd, lead author of the study, said a change in alcohol habits since 2008 could be one reason for the continued reduction.

"Binge drinking has become less frequent, and the proportion of youths who don't drink alcohol at all has risen sharply," he said.

"Also, after decades in which alcohol has become more affordable, since 2008 it has become less affordable.

"For people most prone to involvement in violence, those aged 18 to 30, falls in disposable income are probably an important factor."

UK alcohol consumption levels have decreased from 10.8 litres per capita in 2008 to 10 litres per capita in 2011.

Professor Shepherd said other reasons for the decrease could be the result of police, NHS and local authorities working together more to prevent violent crime.

"Violence has fallen more in regions where this is best organised," he said.

The data is based on a sample of 117 emergency departments, minor injury units and walk-in centres.