Campaign encouraging people to shop suspected drink and drug-drivers responsible for third of arrests made by Dorset Police in Christmas crackdown

A CAMPAIGN encouraging people to shop suspected drink or drug-drivers saw 36 suspected offenders arrested during Dorset Police’s Christmas crackdown.

The Festive Feedback initiative involved all those who got in touch about motorists they believed may be impaired during December receiving a follow-up call updating them on officers’ response.

This was backed up by enforcement activity carried out as part of the Operation Limit national drink and drug-drive campaign.

A total of 317 calls were received from the public, with 129 of these attended and 90 vehicles involved being tracked down.

As a result, 36 arrests were made, with more than one third of the overall suspected drink and drug-driver arrests resulting from people dialling 999 or 101.

Insp. Joe Wheable, of the roads policing team, said: “The Festive Feedback initiative was all about improving public confidence and encouraging reporting to police by showing that we will respond to calls around drink and drug[-driving] and take positive action.

“The response from those we contacted was overwhelmingly positive, with people indicating that being updated on the outcome of their call made them feel involved in the process.”

The Operation Limit enforcement activity included two proactive operations during December, resulting in 11 arrests and 10 cars seized. Other traffic offences were also detected.

Road check points resulted in more than 100 vehicles stopped to ensure the motorists were fit to drive.

Throughout December officers conducted a total of 178 breath tests and 93 drug wipes.

Those suspecting motorists about to drive while under the influence should dial 999, providing the vehicle’s make and model, registration number and direction of travel.