The Safer Croydon Partnership has launched an anti-domestic violence campaign in Croydon following a predicted rise in offenses during the World Cup.

Various studies based on data from the last three World Cups show domestic violence increased 38 per cent when England lost and rose 26 per cent when they won. Although crime has been down in Croydon, with an overall 9.5 per cent drop in the last financial year, it has been reported that “domestic violence increased 15 per cent, on the back of a 13.4 per cent rise in 2012/13.”

The SCP campaign has alerted CCTV operators in the area by handing over photographs of previous offenders. The council’s CCTV team will be monitoring any high-risk offenders who are spotted on camera during the matches.

Other campaign efforts include placing graphic posters throughout the borough, which will contain information on where victims can seek advice and support. In addition, stickers with helpline numbers will be posted at the Crystal Palace Football Club, local libraries and GP surgeries.

Detective Sergeant Kris Blamires of Croydon’s Community Safety Unit is organising the police operation to address domestic abuse during the World Cup.

He said: “Our approach is fully focused on the victim, which is why we’ll have officers out and about giving information and advice to people on the support agencies and services that can help them if they are suffering from domestic abuse.

“It is absolutely not acceptable to use the football as an excuse to abuse a partner or loved one, and we will be taking robust action against anyone who thinks otherwise.”