OPERATION Unite will this weekend see police in Australia and New Zealand re-enforce messages about the risks and violence associated with alcohol consumption.

Operational commander Supt Brett Kidner said that Operation Unite demonstrates a unified police-led message with the purpose to challenge alcohol-related crime, violence and anti-social behaviour with an agenda to achieve a change in the drinking culture of the community.

“Police can continue to only do so much in trying to stamp out excessive drinking and anti-social behaviour. There is a requirement for the individual and the community to also take accountability in addressing this culture,” Supt Kidner said.

A key message for Operation Unite will be the health issues which can be associated with excessive drinking.

“The abrasive reality is that alcohol is responsible for a considerable amount of death, disease and injury in Australia and New Zealand every year. It’s a major contributor to many assaults, road crashes and other accidents. It also contributes to social problems such as anti-social violence and family and relationship breakdowns,” he said.

The police action at the weekend will involve ACT Policing’s Alcohol Crime Targeting Team, Crime Prevention, Traffic Operations, Specialist Response and Security and General Duties members patrolling across the ACT.

Operation Unite will begin Friday, December 2 and ends Sunday morning, December 4.