Public urged to shop drink-drivers

In the past year, the independent crime-fighting charity received just under 6,000 calls about drink drivers across the UK, over 900 of these from the North West. As a result, 1,226 positive actions were taken by police and 244 individuals were arrested and charged.

It is the second most reported crime type to Crimestoppers nationally behind drugs offences.

Many people may see their friends; family, work colleagues or neighbours regularly drink driving but do not want to go to the police because they fear being identified.

By contacting Crimestoppers you will remain completely anonymous. Calls cannot be tracked through the 0800 555 111 phone line and information passed online through the Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org is not traceable.

Now, in the lead up to Christmas, the charity is urging anyone who has information about regular drink drivers to get in contact.

Gary Murray, North West Regional Manager for Crimestoppers, said: “Too many people lost their lives last year due to drink-drive incidents. But, there are still people out there who regularly drink drive and refuse to change their behaviour.

“We want to make the roads a safer place for everyone and we would urge you to give information to Crimestoppers anonymously about anyone who is regularly drink driving.

“Crimestoppers never asks for your name or personal details, we cannot trace calls or track information given online and we do not record our calls. You will not have to give a statement to police or go to court. We don’t want to know who you are, just what you know. By taking action you could be helping to save a life – whether it’s the driver or an innocent victim”.

The campaign is being supported by the Association of Chief Police Officers and THINK! the Department for Transport’s dedicated road safety website.

Suzette Davenport, ACPO National Roads Policing Lead, said: “Every Christmas we in the police service put forward a very clear message to motorists – we want you to enjoy the festive season, but also want you to take responsibility for your conduct behind the wheel.

“Driving under the influence of drink or drugs is a criminal offence and our officers are on the lookout for those who break the law all year round, but with a special emphasis on the month of December.

“Drink and drug drivers are responsible for deaths and serious injuries every year and we are determined to drive home the point that it is just not worth the risk getting behind the wheel while under the influence – it can destroy the lives of others, but it can also destroy your life, whether by injury or by the fallout of getting a criminal record. If you take that risk, you should assume that you will be spotted, you will be caught and you will face the consequences”.

If you have information on those who regularly drink drive you can contact the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via the online secure form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

If you see someone attempting to operate a vehicle whilst intoxicated please call 999 as this may require urgent police action.

To join in with the discussion follow Crimestoppers on Twitter @CrimestoppersUK or Facebook and use the hashtags of #WastedCS or #SmashedCS.