DRUG swabbing and knife-finding metal detectors have caused pub violence in the west of the county to plummet, new figures suggest.

In the 12 months to the end of March, the number of crimes linked to licensed premises in West Oxfordshire fell from 36 to 15.

Last night landlords hailed the district’s Nightsafe scheme as a vital reason behind the drop in crimes.

Police banned 14 yobs from drinking in pubs in Witney over the year and have carried out a number of undercover operations, where they ask children to try to buy alcohol from licensed premises.

Dean Semaine runs the Royal Oak, in Witney’s High Street. He said: “Us landlords are all part of a big team.

“We have radios so if there is a known troublemaker in the town one night, every pub will communicate and be on the look-out for them. There have been occasions when someone has been banned from every premises and has had to go home.

“It is that type of cooperation that is vital in reducing alcohol-related crime.”

Luke Champion, 26, landlord of the Three Horseshoes, in Corn Street, said: “Nightsafe and the local pub watch are very important for all pubs.

“We have virtually no problems here because we take the time to get to know people.

West Oxfordshire Safer Communities Partnership, a joint-initiative between Thames Valley Police and West Oxfordshire District Council, said the results were down to a “great partnership”.

Police licensing co-ordinator Tony Cope said: “In the past year we have carried out five test purchasing operations in the district, and tested 23 licensed premises, 18 of which passed.

“The five that failed were issued fixed penalty notices and advised about how to improve their procedures for checking age identification.

“We also carry out drug swabbing and have used a knife arch during the weekends to raise awareness.”

Police have refused to name the 14 people banned from Witney’s pubs.

l GANGS of underage youths drinking alcohol in a Wantage park have been intimidating local people.

Police have stepped up patrols after reports of between 30 to 35 youths in Manor Road Memorial Park on Friday nights.