THE extent of criminal activity in and around a notorious nightclub has been laid bare in a police report.

Between March and August this year 324 crimes were recorded within a 250m radius of the Venue Nightclub, Clifton Rise, New Cross, of which 52 were specifically linked to the club.

The report forms part of the Met Police's objection to the club's application to stay open until 6am every day, serving alcohol until 5am.

Licensing chiefs at Lewisham Council will decide tomorrow whether to grant applicant Lightact Ltd the extended hours.

Currently, the club can serve alcohol until 2am from Monday to Saturday and 12.30am on Sundays.

It has a licence to stay open until 4am six days a week and until 6am on Saturdays only.

The dossier says the Venue and surrounding area has been a hot spot for a catalogue of public order offences and violent crimes for many years.

In the six-month period the report covers:
There were 14 actual bodily harm offences, including common assault and assault on a police officer, linked to the club.


23 incidents of people leaving without payment, or committing a theft.


13 incidents of harassment, affray or violent disorder.


Two drug offences. In total there were 27 drug offences relating to the 250m radius around the club.

The total number of crimes in the period of 324 relates to the surrounding vicinity of the Fordham Park area, Amersham Road, New Cross Road and part of Lewisham Way.

The report also highlights specific incidents which have happened at the club.

These include assaults on police officers, a man who was barred from the club threatening to return with a "shooter" as well as a catalogue of fights.

A spokesman for the Venue said: "We are surprised the police are objecting as we have regular meetings with them and have had good relations for many years.

"We provide full security outside and we would continue to do so if our licensing hours change.

"We do our very best to ensure the safety of our customers both inside and outside the club."