Underage drinking in the spotlight

ACT Policing today launched the first Operation Unite for 2011 which will take place across Australian and New Zealand this weekend.

Police across the country will be using this weekend as an opportunity to remind young people about the risks associated with underage drinking as well as target assault and violence associated with excessive alcohol consumption.

Operational Commander, Superintendent Corey Heldon said that Operation Unite demonstrates a united purpose to challenge alcohol-related crime, violence and anti-social behaviour and ultimately, achieve change.

“Police are using Operation Unite to remind young people about the dangers associated with underage drinking. We need to engender this issue into young people to change the culture of excessive alcohol consumption in the future,” Superintendent Heldon said.

ACT Policing recorded a decrease in alcohol-related arrests during the December 2010 to March 2011 period with 27 per cent less arrests recorded compared to the previous year, and 35 per cent less people lodged in custody for intoxication.

“While we have experienced a decrease in alcohol-related crime during the summer period, largely due to the Alcohol Crime Targeting Team, tackling this issue is long term and is not something that police can do alone,” Superintendent Heldon said.

The police action at the weekend will involve ACT Policing’s Alcohol Crime Targeting Team as well as extra police on patrol.

Operation Unite will begin Friday May 13 and ends Sunday morning, May 15.

[Courtesy ACT Policing]