Police in Richmondshire have announced a crackdown on drink driving after receiving “numerous reports” of offences being committed in rural parts of the district.
Inspector Martin Metcalfe, from the Richmondshire neighbourhood policing team, has urged residents to help by reporting anyone they know who drink or drug drives.
The officers says the force will be using a range of tactics to catch offenders, including unmarked vehicles and checks at random times.
He said: “From recent surveys conducted, I have had numerous reports of drink driving being an issue in the more rural areas of Richmondshire and would really like to tackle this.
“So, with our community policing team having to cover a very large County of over 500 square miles, we can only do this with your help.
“I would really appreciate it if you are aware of any suspected regular drink or drug drivers in your area, that you pass the required information to us in complete confidence.
“You will need to pass the details of the vehicle being used, ideally with a registration number, details of the driver if you have it and any further useful information, such as time of day and location.”
The officer said reports could be made anonymously
“Please be assured you will not have to get involved in any subsequent court proceedings at all, when we catch them drink driving, it will be down to us evidence wise.
“To clarify, I would rather get the information anonymously, than not at all.
“Also, if you know anyone that is drink driving, please advise them to stop now as my team and I will be taking positive action and the consequences of being arrested and charged really do not have to be explained.
“This will involve the use of plain vehicles, other useful tactics and the checks will be at very random times, so why risk it? This is also separate from any incoming annual Christmas Drink Drive initiative and is simply something I would like to do for our Community, responding to your concerns, plus it will be long term.”
To report drink or drug drivers, call 101 mentioning Inspector 583 Metcalfe so the operator can highlight the information to the officer and it can be recorded in the correct way.
Alternatively, ring Crimestoppers free on 0800 555 111.
If a driver is driving or about to drive, call 999.
