Weekend BOP operation to focus on reducing alcohol related harm

Members of Bay of Plenty Police will join their national and Australian colleagues this weekend to focus on reducing alcohol-related harm in local communities.

Called Operation Unite, the joint operation is running across both New Zealand and Australia on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 May. This will be the fourth Operation Unite to run between the two Police organizations under the ANZPAA (Australia New Zealand Police Advisory Agency) banner. This weekend's operation will have a particular focus on youth.

The Bay of Plenty District Operations Manager, Inspector Scott Fraser, says misuse of alcohol is a concern in the Bay of Plenty District, just as it is for every community in New Zealand.

"The level of harm from alcohol in our community, and the impact of alcohol on crime and crash, is significant. It impacts all areas of our community, including residents, councils, Police, hospitals, iwi organisations, Government agencies and other emergency services.

"Alcohol related activities should be able to take place in our community with minimal risk of harm to drinkers, minors and the wider community, but unfortunately that is simply not the case in today's environment.

"Most people are able to enjoy events or a few drinks without any problem, but a growing number of people don't seem to be able to and that is where the problem lies.

"It is our job to ensure the safety of our community and Operation Unite is just one part of our plan to achieve that."

Inspector Fraser says alcohol remains a factor in a third of recorded violence offences and family violence incidents, and is often a factor in sexual assault offences.

"There is considerable concern about increasing numbers of young people, particularly young females, who are consuming large amounts of alcohol in a typical drinking occasion.

"When young people consume large amounts of alcohol, they are more likely to become a victim or offender of crime. Young females are particularly vulnerable and unable to make good decisions about keeping themselves safe when they are intoxicated."

Inspector Fraser says if Police had one message for people it would be:

"Look after yourself and look after your mates. Please, make this weekend and every weekend one to remember – and not one to forget or regret."

Police activities across the Bay of Plenty District for Operation Unite this weekend will include education and enforcement:

• Focus on licensed premise compliance for the sale of alcohol and food supply
• Enforcing breach of liquor ban in public places
• Drink/drive operation – drivers could be stopped anywhere, anytime and all drivers stopped will be breath tested
• Monitoring special licences and events
• Providing educational material to the public and licensed premises

The Bay of Plenty Police District includes the Western Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Eastern Bay of Plenty and Taupo Police areas.

Results from the weekend's operation will be provided to the media by noon on Monday 16 May.