“There’s been a rise in street robbery, particularly in London, which
concerns me very much and there’s been a rise in violence,
particularly alcohol-related violence as well, and we are concerned
about that and we will be bringing forward plans to deal with both,” he
told BBC radio’s Today programme.

Recent figures from the Metropolitan Police revealed a 12.5 per cent
rise in the number of offences in the 12 months up to April. Street
muggings rose by 36 per cent from 31,706 to 43,193. Violent crime
rose by 19 per cent in the same period, up to nearly 157,000. West
Midlands police has also recorded big increases in the past year.

Among the measures to bring down crime rates are an intensive police
campaign against street muggings. Suspects will be kept under
surveillance and DNA samples will be taken from stolen bags. Police
forces and licensing magistrates will also focus on pubs and clubs
where violence is commonplace. Drinking establishments will be
“named and shamed” and in severe cases closed down. The
introduction of licensed door staff and closed circuit television
cameras will be encouraged.

Current Home Office proposals for an overhaul of the licensing laws
include a 10-year ban from named pubs for “habitual drunkards” and
others convicted of violent assaults. The police will be given powers
to order the immediate closure of rowdy pubs.

Mr Straw was accused of trying to “hoodwink” the public yesterday
as he pledged to introduce tougher prison sentences for persistent
reoffenders. The Home Secretary called for greater use of day
prisons for habitual criminals. ButTories attacked him for making “empty
promises” after it emerged that the review would last 12 months and is
unlikely to produce recommendations before the next general election.