Tasmania Police has urged people to think before they drink this weekend, as police prepare for the third Operation Unite.

Operation Unite: A Blitz Against Drunken Violence is a coordinated and high profile campaign across all police jurisdictions in Australia and New Zealand.

The aim is to highlight the danger of binge drinking and how it contributes to a range of anti-social behaviour, crime and violence, including assaults. Tasmania Police will have a high profile presence in the entertainment precincts of Hobart and Launceston on the nights of 17 and 18 December. In Burnie there will be an additional police presence on Friday night, while in Devonport the Operation Unite focus is on Saturday night.

“In the lead up to the festive season we see more people overindulge in alcohol, and we want them to be aware there can be long lasting consequences,” said the Commissioner of Police, Darren Hine.

A high proportion of public place assaults in Tasmania occur between midnight and 6am on Saturdays and Sundays. Most of the assaults occur on or near licensed premises.

“It takes considerable resources to police these areas across weekends. Many public place incidents are the direct result of binge drinking, and we are asking people to take responsibility for their drinking behaviour.

“If you get drunk you are increasing the risk of becoming either the victim of violence, or an offender. These incidents can impact on lives – health, employment, relationships can all be affected by a violent incident.

“If you are heading out for a drink, we urge you to be aware of how much you’ve had to drink, and to look out for your friends.”

Police will have a particular focus on getting the message across to young people through Operation Sanction. Police will contact the parents of young people who are given Move On orders because of their behaviour in a public place.

People are also reminded that under the Sale or Supply of Alcohol to Youth legislation, it is illegal for anyone to supply a young person with alcohol on private property, without the appropriate permission of the young person’s parent or guardian.

Tasmania Police is committed to the directions of the Tasmanian Alcohol Action Framework 2010 – 2015 in supporting cultural change in relation to the use of alcohol in the community.
 

Tasmanian Statistics 2009 – 2010

– Public disturbance incidents (including assaults) – 6,691

– Offensive behaviour incidents e.g. urinating in public, abusive language – 6,443

– 22% of public place assault victims were under the age of 18; 52% of victims were aged 18 – 34.

– Public place assaults 1,096 (2008-2009 1,218)

– In almost half of all public place assaults, the victim and the offender were strangers.

– 40% of assaults occur between 5pm – 4am on Friday and Saturday nights, with most occurring on or near a licensed premise.

– 1,144 people were detained in custody for drunkenness, and 185 were detained due to their level of intoxication.

Tasmania Police Media
(03) 6230 2867