Monday, July 15, 2024
In the last 12 months, over 2,600 people have been arrested for drink or drug driving offences in Lancashire. On average, that is 7 people every single day.
Lancashire Police are using intelligence to target repeat drink and drug drivers, as a part of Operation Virage. The operation sees roads policing officers across Lancashire dedicate time and resources to tracking down and arresting some of the county's most prolific drink and drug drivers.
Our activity will be revving up this Summer as new funding secured by the Police and Crime Commissioner, enables more dedicated hours and specialist equipment to be devoted to the operation. A multimedia campaign supporting Op Virage has also been launched across Lancashire utilising Spotify and social media, amongst other digital channels to warn about the effects of drug driving, to encourage reporting and to signpost people for help through Talk to Frank.
When intelligence is reported to us, it undergoes rigorous checks to ensure its legitimacy, before being graded. This depends on several factors, such as the quantity or quality of intelligence coming into force and the severity of the offending behaviour, amongst many others.
The additional funding is helping to support the work already being done as part of Operation Virage, allowing officers to target even more drivers.
This means officers can intervene on troubling driving behaviour early, before it becomes more dangerous, offering road safety advice and signposting to support services for those with substance misuse issues.
The force has partnered with the Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, alongside Lancashire's Combating Drugs Partnerships, to send a message to those thinking of drink or drug driving this Summertime.
Supt Hassan Khan, Operations Manager of Lancashire Police’s Tactical Operations, said:
Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, added:
If you know of a drink and drug driver, you can report them 100% anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via our online portal. Your information could save a life.
If the person is currently driving whilst under the influence, always call 999.
Get more information about drink driving and drug driving at our dedicated pages.
For honest information about drugs, visit www.talktofrank.com.