Warwickshire Police have revealed a concerning spate of festive drink and drug driving offences, with a total of 12 individuals arrested in just six days over the Christmas period. The crackdown highlighted the continued dangers on the region's roads, with one arrest stemming from the theft of a turkey.
Turkey theft leads to drink drive arrest
The series of arrests included a 46-year-old man from Alcester who was detained after allegedly stealing a turkey and driving off in his van. Officers from Warwickshire Police stopped the vehicle and discovered beer inside. The man was subsequently arrested and has been released on bail pending further investigation.
A catalogue of festive offences
The force's patrols uncovered a range of serious incidents during their heightened seasonal campaign. In Rugby, a 48-year-old man crashed into a parked car and recorded a roadside breathalyser reading of 99 microgrammes – nearly three times the legal limit of 35. In a bid to avoid arrest, he reportedly asked the owner of the damaged vehicle not to contact the police.
Another case saw a 23-year-old provisional licence holder from Leicester stopped on the A46 near Warwick. The driver was not displaying L-plates, had no qualified supervisor in the vehicle, and tested positive for cannabis. Both men have also been bailed.
Police warning ahead of New Year's Eve
Inspector Wayne Boulton of Warwickshire Police issued a stern reminder about the consequences of impaired driving. "Drink or drug driving puts lives at risk and will not be tolerated," he stated. "We're stepping up patrols to catch offenders and prevent serious collisions."
With New Year's Eve celebrations approaching, Inspector Boulton urged the public to plan responsibly: "Please plan ahead this New Year's Eve – book a taxi, go out locally, or choose alcohol-free options. There really is no excuse." The police operation underscores their ongoing commitment to road safety and enforcing the drink drive limit throughout the holiday season.
