Operation Unite kicks off

ACT Policing today launched Operation Unite which will take place across Australia and New Zealand this weekend (2–4 December).

Police across Australia and New Zealand will be using this weekend as an opportunity to re-enforce important messages to the community about the risks associated with alcohol consumption as well as target violence associated with excessive alcohol consumption.

Operational Commander Superintendent Brett Kidner said that Operation Unite demonstrates a unified police-led message with the purpose to challenge alcohol-related crime, violence and anti-social behaviour with an agenda to achieve a change in the drinking culture of the community.

“Police can continue to only do so much in trying to stamp out excessive drinking and anti-social behaviour. There is a requirement for the individual and the community to also take accountability in addressing this culture,” Superintendent Kidner said.

A key message for this Operation Unite will be the health issues which can be associated with excessive drinking.

“The abrasive reality is that alcohol is responsible for a considerable amount of death, disease and injury in Australia and New Zealand every year. It’s a major contributor to many assaults, road crashes and other accidents. It also contributes to social problems such as anti-social violence and family and relationship breakdowns,” Superintendent Kidner said.

The police action at the weekend will involve ACT Policing’s Alcohol Crime Targeting Team, Crime Prevention, Traffic Operations, Specialist Response and Security and General Duties members patrolling across the ACT.

Operation Unite will begin Friday, December 2 and ends Sunday morning, December 4.

[Courtesy ACT Policing]