BOLTON'S pub landladies are some of the best people at barring crime in the town, a report has revealed.

The Home Office study shows that one of the best ways of keeping violence out of the town's watering holes is to have a middle-aged landlady behind the pumps.

New evidence, contained in the report, Opportunity Makes The Thief, shows the presence of a mature woman and experienced bar staff will help defuse potential trouble.

And Bolton's "Peggy Mitchells" say they agree with the report's findings that they rule the roost as strictly as the EastEnders character does the Queen Vic.

Kath Smith, 45, landlady at the Lion of Vienna on Chorley New Road, said: "I find that if I spot something and jump in quickly they always back off.

"I definitely feel like I have the sway of power here and we have respect. The only time we would have any trouble is if it was a 'domestic'.

"We always make sure there are male and female staff members on duty who can help out.

"My partner works in the lounge and generally I work in the vault. If ever I spot anything I make sure I get in quickly to avoid any trouble and that I have some back up.

Hopping

"Because I'm a woman, men don't hit back - or that's usually the case!"

Happy hours, late closing, a large number of pubs in one area and bar hopping have all been identified as potentials for trouble.

But the Home Office report added: "A stable business, the presence of middle-aged women, mixes of activities, or easy natural surveillance can have a positive consequence."

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