Chch police crack down on drunks

Senior Sergeant Nalder said police will be targeting liquor ban areas across the city. Photo / Thinkstock

Police are about to get tough on booze-fuelled crime in Christchurch.

Over the next 10 weeks leading up to Christmas, police will crack down on bars and parties that attract trouble and step out of line.

Senior Sergeant Glenn Nalder said the period leading up to the end of the year is traditionally a busy one for police dealing with alcohol-related crime and crashes.

"Over the next two and a half months we'll be taking a proactive and preventive approach - putting extra staff into the community, and specifically targeting areas where alcohol causes problems.

"Almost every weekend our officers are dealing with out-of-control parties and disorder around licensed premises.

"It's disappointing that a small minority of people can cause such disruption and frustration - not just for police but for the entire community.

"Our message to them is that we will be taking a firm line on alcohol offences this summer - and focusing on problem areas to prevent disorder."

Senior Sergeant Nalder said police will be targeting liquor ban areas across the city.

"Liquor bans have been a useful tool in helping to reduce alcohol-related offending in busy parts of town.

"We will be policing these vigorously over the coming weeks. If anyone is breaching a liquor ban they can expect to be caught.

"As well as liquor ban areas we will have extra patrols in other locations which we have identified as potential trouble spots."

Police will also be making frequent compliance visits to licensed premises.

"Licensed premises definitely have a part to play. The majority manage their premises well - but there are a number that repeatedly seem to generate problems.

"We will be keeping a close eye on these premises, but also working proactively with licensees to help them manage issues."

Under-age drinking will also be a focus, with police carrying out controlled purchase operations.

The other focus area for the campaign will be drink driving. High-visibility drink-drive checkpoints will be a regular feature on city roads over coming weeks, Senior Sergeant Nalder said.

"Drink driving puts all road users at risk, and we will be taking a strong line on offenders."

Senior Sergeant Nalder says additional frontline staff will be rostered on at peak times over the next 10 weeks specifically to target alcohol-related issues.

Nationally, it has been estimated that up to one third of all police apprehensions involve alcohol, and half of all serious violent crimes are alcohol-related.