Canterbury Police will be running another alcohol focus on 19 December 2014 - a prevention activity to reduce harm caused by alcohol on the road, in public places and licensed premises. This activity is part of Operation Capricorn which runs throughout December and January in Canterbury District to reduce serious public place assaults and prevent road trauma to ensure the safe and efficient movement of traffic on Canterbury roads. Up to 80 additional Police officers will be working on an alcohol focus across the City and the surrounding Canterbury area tomorrow.
Inspector Peter Cooper, who is leading tomorrow night’s operation, says “There will be a number of additional high profile checkpoints on the road and patrols in entertainment areas including licensed premises in addition to normal policing in the District. On a typical Friday night in the City there are around 80-90 Police officers working on the street. We will also have Police staff providing crime prevention advice to patrons of licensed premises which includes tips on how to keep yourself safe and getting home safely.”
“Last week’s alcohol focus was very successful, despite the number of drivers caught over the new alcohol limits, and we encourage anyone who is organising a party or planning on socialising to plan how they are going to get home and book taxis in advance. We are expecting this week to be busier than last week as Friday is also the last day of work for many office workers and tradies. While we want to make sure everyone has a good time we also want to ensure you get home safely.”
Canterbury Police Alcohol Harm Reduction Manager Senior Sergeant Gordon Spite, said “We know that alcohol is a major contributor to crimes such as disorder, violence and sexual assaults. In New Zealand around a third of all recorded offences are committed after the offender has consumed alcohol. There is also a risk that when people overdo the alcohol they make poor decisions and end up becoming offenders or victims of crime or crashes”
Additional staff will be deployed from 2pm through to 4am on Saturday morning (20 December 2014) and checkpoints will be in operation across the District targeting drink-driving.
Canterbury Road Policing Manager, Inspector Al Stewart said “We will continue to take an ‘anytime anywhere’ policy on breath testing in Canterbury and every driver stopped in the District will be breath-tested no matter what time of day/night it is. Police will continue to enforce the new lower alcohol limits of 250mcg of alcohol per litre of breath and a zero alcohol limit for drivers under 20 years old”.
“Indicative data shows two teams working near Rangiora and in Christchurch City and the surrounding suburbs on Friday and Saturday night last week conducted 7840 Compulsory Breath Tests (CBTs), 14 of those tested gave an Evidential Breath Test (EBA) of over 400mcg per litre of breath and 20 an EBA result between 250-400mcg per litre of breath. In Timaru during the same period no-one was caught at checkpoints breaking the limit but three drivers were apprehended by patrol cars after midnight for exceeding the alcohol limits.”
“Whether you live rurally or in the city we are urging everyone to plan how they are going to get home in advance. Don’t think you can ‘get away’ with another alcoholic drink as you are not only putting yourself at risk but other road users and members of your community. Park your car in a safe area if you’re leaving it overnight and make sure doors are locked and valuables are out of sight and secure.”
“Other than moderating your consumption of alcohol, drinking water and eating food regularly are the two most effective ways of controlling the effects of alcohol” said Senior Sergeant Spite, Canterbury Police Alcohol Harm Reduction Manager.
Stay safe and please don’t become a statistic.
Some simple tips from Canterbury Police for safe festive celebrations:
• Plan your night out ahead of time. Have a plan for how you're going to get home, before you go out.
• Arrange safe transport to and from your location, whether it's a sober driver, taxi, bus or dial-a-driver.
• Go out as a group and stay together. Look out for your mates and make sure they stay safe.
• Don’t drink to excess – drink water and eat food at regular intervals.
• Don't drink and drive. Checkpoints will be operating anywhere, any time.
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District. Mobile: 021 942 404