As Christmas party season reaches its peak, we are asking those out celebrating to make sure the only ‘jingle bells’ you hear this December belong to Santa’s sleigh—not the sirens of a police car.

“‘All I want for Christmas, is you’ to make sure you get to and from your celebrations safely and legally” said Inspector Wayne Boulton who is leading our December operation to remove drink and drug drivers from the roads.

‘Last Christmas’, we arrested 74 people for drink or drug driving related offences.

We want people to enjoy their Christmas parties, but the statistics are sobering. Every year, more than 1,800 people are killed or seriously injured on UK roads because of drink or drug driving (STATS19 data). Beyond the devastating human cost, offenders often crash into parked cars, leaving innocent owners with repair bills that can run into thousands of pounds.

Inspector Boulton continues “We know that drinking or taking drugs and driving increases your risk of a collision, and we do not want the lives of innocent people and their families shattered, especially not at Christmas.”

That’s why we are encouraging the public and CCTV operators to report the details of suspected drink and drug drivers to us by calling 101 or in an emergency 999.   if you prefer to stay 100% anonymous, you can also call Crimestoppers UK on 0800 555 111 or fill in their online form.

We know addiction plays a part and we will also be referring those who need help and support to drug and alcohol services in Warwickshire. Anyone struggling with addiction, can also self-refer.

Keeping you safe is our priority in the run up to Christmas and we will also have extra patrols in town centres on busy nights and at festive events. Please speak to an officer if you have concerns or see anything suspicious.

Notes for editors

Change Grow Live (CGL) can support anyone aged 18+ with any concerns about their drug and/or alcohol use and have hubs in Leamington Spa, Nuneaton, Rugby and Stratford-upon-Avon. CGL offer personalised 1-1 care and group support.

For more information see: https://www.changegrowlive.org/drug-alcohol-service-warwickshire 

Or call 01926 353 513

Or email Warwickshire.Info@cgl.org.uk 

You can refer yourself or refer someone else into the service at https://www.changegrowlive.org/drug-alcohol-service-warwickshire/referrals