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14 failed CPO operations mar Operation Unite for BOP Police

Monday 16 May 2011, 12:40PM

By New Zealand Police

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BAY OF PLENTY

More than 160 Bay of Plenty Police staff from across the District were part of Operation Unite on Friday and Saturday nights, in a joint New Zealand and Australian Police operation to reduce alcohol-related harm.

Bay of Plenty Police staff were joined by representatives from external agencies including Maori Wardens, local councils, ACC, health organisations and more.

Across the Bay, 43 arrests were made for a range of different offences, including disorder, assault and violence. Nearly 7000 compulsory breath-tests were done at checkpoints across the District, with 44 people processed for drink driving. Seventy-five controlled purchase operations were undertaken, with 14 failed results where minors were able to purchase alcohol.

The District Operations Manager, Inspector Scott Fraser, says there were some highlights for Police during the operation – but unfortunately these were marred by the lowlights, including 14 failed results in controlled purchase operations.

"Even one failed result is one result too many – let alone 14. It's an enormously disappointing result, particularly for those Police staff who have invested a large amount of time and effort working with bar and off-licence owners to address issues in this area.

"Young people are some of our most vulnerable when it comes to consuming alcohol.

"Like most other agencies, Police are concerned about the increasing numbers of young people consuming large quantities of alcohol. This not only has an obvious impact on their health, but they are also more likely to become a victim or offender of crime when they are intoxicated.

"If young people aren't able to purchase alcohol in the first place, then it removes some of the problem."

Inspector Fraser says Bay of Plenty Police have had a focus on licensed premises for some time, and this will continue up to, during and after the Rugby World Cup.

"Liquor licence holders can expect visits from us at anytime. We're asking them to be vigilant and by doing so, to make their contribution to reducing the impact of alcohol-related harm."

Taupo Police Area:

The Taupo Police focus on Operation Unite included activities across the Taupo Police Area, including Taupo CBD, Tokoroa, Putaruru, Tirau, Okoroire and Mangakino.

There were 34 controlled purchase operations, with six failed results. Meetings are being held this week with local authorities to finalise the prosecution action that will be taken against these premises.

Tokoroa Police shut down a large private party at a local residential address, with more than 200 patrons aged between 18 and 20 years in varying states of intoxication.

In total, seven arrests were made across the Taupo Police Area. 1414 drivers were breath-tested, with four people processed for drink driving. Eleven warnings were given for breach of liquor ban and 30 bars and restaurants were visited as part of hotel compliance checks.

Western Bay of Plenty Police Area:

The Tauranga CBD was relatively busy during the weekend, with a lot of movement between bars.

Fourteen off-licence premises were visited as part of a controlled purchase operation, with one outlet in Te Puke failing the test and selling alcohol to a minor.

In total, 12 arrests were made during the course of the operation. There was a significant focus on road policing, with 2989 drivers breath-tested. Seventeen people were processed for drink driving. Eighteen hotel compliance checks were undertaken and six warnings were given for breach of liquor ban.

Rotorua Police Area:

Twenty-one arrests were made across Rotorua, including one for a serious assault on a female in the CBD. It appears she had intervened in a fight between two groups of males, but was seriously assaulted for her efforts. Both groups were intoxicated. Three people were arrested for fighting and one for injuring with intent as a result of the incident.

1815 drivers were breath-tested, with 16 people processed for drink driving. Ninety-nine hotel compliance checks undertaken. Fourteen warnings were given for breach of liquor ban. Six on-licence and 12 off-licence premises were visited as part of a controlled purchase operation, with two on-licence premises failing.

Eastern Bay of Plenty Police:

Three arrests were made in the Eastern Bay of Plenty Police Area in conjunction with Operation Unite. 732 drivers were breath-tested, with six people being processed for drink driving.

Three on-licence premises were visited as part of a controlled purchase operation, with one failing and selling alcohol to a minor. Four clubs were also visited as part of the operation, with all four failing the operation and selling alcohol to a minor.

One warning was given for breach of liquor ban.