This weekends Operation Unite in the Northern Territory resulted in 225 persons taken into protective custody.
This is the second highest number when compared to previous Operations:
| December 2011 | 225 |
|---|---|
| May 2011 | 141 |
| December 2010 | 143 |
| September 2010 | 423 |
| December 2009 | 162 |
Assistant Commissioner Grahame Kelly said 225 people who were so intoxicated that they were considered a risk to themselves or others is too high,
“122 of those 225 people spent the night in one of our Watch Houses as a result of their level of intoxication. The others were either taken home to the care of a responsible person or conveyed to a sobering up shelter.
“The 122 who spent the night in a Police Watch House were sharing with plenty more reasons to continue to raise awareness about alcohol misuse and risky drinking behaviour.
“In total, 44 people were arrested across the Territory for various, alcohol related offences including assault, disorderly behaviour and drink driving.
“If the law itself and respecting the need to drive responsibly aren’t enough to deter people from getting behind the wheel drunk, you would think the days of notice in the lead up to this operation might be.
“Alas, the worst drink driving offence of the weekend was a female in Tennant Creek who was arrested after returning a reading of 0.272%.
“In Darwin alone, 2552 drivers were tested, with 21 over the legal limit. That’s more than one in every 120 drivers tested.
“The most alarming drink driver which remains beyond belief was a male in Darwin who tested positive, was issued with an Infringement Notice, only to be tested again later at the same RBT and recorded 0.158%.
“In Katherine, a vehicle was seized for hooning.
“A total of 10 banning notices were issued, 6 of which were in Katherine alone, last night.
“The 6 in Katherine last night were issued as a result of fighting in a public place, disorderly behaviour and drinking within a public restricted area.
“Once again, this National Operation and the Territory results bring to the forefront, the issues we face in society regarding problematic alcohol consumption and irresponsible behaviour.
“People need to take a good look at their own alcohol consumption and take responsibility. Risky drinking behaviour not only places themselves at risk, but also those around them.
“With Christmas party’s and festive celebrations over the next few weeks, I hope the Territory can learn something from this weekends experience and some good can come from it.” Assistant Commissioner Grahame Kelly said.
Media Contact
Katie Fowden
0401 116 540
