More than 100 alleged drunk drivers have been nabbed in the City over the latest weekly enforcement period. At the same time, weekly arrests peaked at 527. This ties with overall arrests during a week earlier this year, which was the highest on record.

MMC JP Smith said, “The pressure on our staff is relentless, but still they deliver.”

More than 100 alleged drunk drivers nabbed

The Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, says the weekly arrest tallies are considerably higher than a year ago. He says this reflects the efforts of the additional resources that have come on board, like their Neighbourhood Safety Officers. He added, “However, every arrest is another reminder of how poorly people behave.”

“The overall arrest tally ties the highest on record, which occurred earlier this year.”

Smith added that while the drunk driving statistics aren’t surprising, it is a source of bitter disappointment that so many people continue to put their lives and that of others in danger in this manner.

Smith: Drunk driving statistics aren’t surprising

He added that in general enforcement efforts over the past week, Law Enforcement officers made 334 arrests and issued 14,372 notices. He says their Metro Police counterparts arrested 126 suspects. This included 56 for drunk driving. At the same time, officers recovered three illegal firearms, an imitation firearm, nine rounds of ammunition and various quantities of drugs. At least six stolen and/or hijacked vehicles were also recovered.

“The City’s enforcement agencies made 527 arrests in the past week, including 109 for driving under the influence.”

Weekly arrests hit a repeat high

Smith says on the roads, Traffic Officers arrested 67 suspects. This included 53 for drunk driving and four for reckless and negligent driving. Ten were taken into custody on other charges. He says they also executed 1 722 warrants, impounded 168 public transport vehicles and issued 53 012 fines.

Public Emergency Communication Centre

He says the Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) recorded 1 206 calls for assistance this past weekend. Smith added 72 calls were for physical assault related incidents, 26 for domestic violence cases and 46 motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents. The Mayco member has reminded members of the public to report incidents and emergencies or any suspicious and/or criminal activities to the PECC on 021 480 7700. You can log by-law and traffic-related complaints using the Safety and Security feature on the City App.