36 arrests made during Dorset drink and drug driving campaign
Police have thanked the public for reporting cases during December
3\6 drivers have been arrested in Dorset within a month, as part of the annual Christmas drink and drug drive campaign by police.
During December, the force asked for 'festive feedback' from us, to report any cases where we believed were getting behind the wheel under the influence.
A total of 317 calls were made throughout the campaign, with officers attending 129 incidents.
More than a third of those arrested on suspicion of drink and drug driving during last month were off the back of public reports made to police.
The arrests that resulted from public calls included:
• A woman arrested who was reportedly under the influence of cocaine whilst on the school run
• A man who was initially reported as a suspected drink driver was subsequently arrested on suspicion of possessing drugs with intent to supply and was reportedly linked to an organised county lines drugs network
• A man who was arrested, along with two passengers, on suspicion of drink driving and theft of a motor vehicle who was also wanted on a prison recall
Inspector 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 action 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.
“They also stated that they felt the call was dealt with professionally and that they agreed with the response taken by police as a result of their contact.
“Not only has the Festive Feedback campaign encouraged members of the public to report incidents to us, it has also provided us with invaluable data to use for future operations and campaigns.
“We would like to thank the community of Dorset for their fantastic response to this campaign.”
The campaign also saw two proactive operations held that resulted in 11 people being arrested and 10 cars seized.
More than 100 vehicles were stopped to ensure the motorists were fit to drive, with a total of 178 breath tests and 93 drug wipes conducted by Dorset Police throughout December.
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said:
“I want to thank everyone involved in this year’s campaign which has resulted in some significant success with dangerous drivers being taken of the road and their vehicles seized.
“I particularly want to thank the public for their co-operation; your reports and involvement have proved invaluable and will continue to help Dorset Police keep our roads and communities safe.
“Anyone who gets behind the wheel under the influence of drink or illegal drugs puts themselves and others at risk of serious injury or worse, and I am clear that this reckless behaviour will not be tolerated in Dorset.”
Dorset Police say they remain committed to taking action on those who pose a risk to other road users and themselves by driving under the influence of drink or drugs throughout the year.
We're asked to continue reporting any concerns by dialling 999 and giving call handlers details about the make and model of the vehicle, and their direction of travel.