Police advice for holiday period

Road safety

Victoria Police has issued a zero-tolerance warning as new analysis reveals December is the worst month for drink-driving on Victorian roads.

Over the past three years, a total of 2591 drink-driving detections were recorded in December.

This is 17 per cent higher than November when, 2154 motorists were caught over the limit in the three years analysed.

December also posted the highest number of collisions where the driver was over the blood alcohol limit of 0.05, with 321 recorded for the month across the three-year period.

It is 18 per cent higher than November, which had 272 collisions where the driver was over the limit during the three-year period.

Victoria Police is warning it will this month have an increased focus on alcohol and drug testing to address the concerning behaviour.

Victoria Police’s new analysis also suggests some drivers are prepared to risk getting behind the wheel after a few drinks.

The figures show in December last year detections of drivers with a blood alcohol concentration between 0.050 and 0.099 rose six per cent compared with the previous month.

It’s believed this is likely due to drivers miscalculating their alcohol intake.

Police are urging motorists to separate their drinking and driving behaviour by planning ahead, arranging a designated driver or using alternative transport.

“These figures show what police know all too well — December is a danger period for drink drivers on our roads,” Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said.

“Not only do we have more alcohol detections, we have more alcohol-fuelled collisions than at any other time of the year.

“Our message is clear — drinking and driving don’t mix.

“Please, separate this behaviour and never run the gauntlet of trying to calculate if you’re okay to get behind the wheel after a few drinks.”

First-time offenders with a blood alcohol concentration between 0.05 and 0.07 will be fined $595 and have their licence immediately suspended for three months.

The penalties are even harsher for high-range and repeat offenders, as well as those aged under 26 or who shouldn’t have any alcohol in their system at all.

Penalties include heftier fines, longer licence suspensions, alcohol interlocks, attendance at court and even jail time for the most serious offences.

Victoria Police’s drink-driving focus will continue into January, with a significant statewide road policing operation set to kick off this week.

“Police are ramping up our focus on drink-driving right through Christmas and into the new year,” Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said.

“We’ll be out conducting alcohol and drug testing anywhere, any time — so if you think you won’t be caught, think again.

“The penalties are significant, and we make no apologies for removing drink drivers from our roads.

“You’re not only a risk to yourself, but to all road users.”

Home and property safety

In a Facebook post this month, Victoria Police said that “on the third day of Christmas VicPol said to me, secure your home and property”.

Inspector Michael Layton said that the giving season was one of the worst for home invasions.

“Summer is traditionally a peak time for home burglaries, and locking your property significantly reduces the risk,” he said.

“Expect to see police on patrol every day and night in your community to deter opportunistic thieves and reduce crime.

“We are continuing to make arrests; however, we also need the community’s help, as police can’t address this issue alone.”

Opportunistic thefts are the most common thefts in Shepparton, so police have released tips on keeping your possessions safe.

“With more people spending time outdoors during the warmer months, windows and doors are often left open, creating opportunities for thieves,” Inspector Layton said.

“Before going to bed, make it a habit to double-check that all doors and windows on your home and car are securely locked. This simple step is often enough to deter opportunistic burglars.

“Let a trusted family member, friend or neighbour know if you’re going on holiday so they can keep an eye on your place, collect your mail and take your bins in.

“Other effective deterrents are sensor lights and pets, as both are known to discourage offenders.”

Another way to protect your home is to register long absences, including festive season holidays, to your local police station.

You can register your absence online, or at your local police station.

When you register your absence from residence with Victoria Police, you'll need to provide:

Be sure to notify police if you return earlier than planned.

All police stations have an absence-from-residence register.

When you submit your absence from residence, police can use the information provided to contact you if there is an incident at your home.

They can also keep your address in mind when performing patrols of the area.

However, there is no guarantee that police will attend your property for a check-in.

To register your absence from residence online, visit the Service Victoria website.

For more tips on securing your home and property, head to police.vic.gov.au/home-and-property