Crime | Posted on January 16th, 2026 | return to news

Dorset drink and drive campaign sees increase in arrests

More arrests were made during the recent Christmas and New Year campaign, with the majority of offenders being male.

There was an increase in drink and drug driving in Dorset during the recent festive season.

Between Monday 1 December 2025 and Thursday 1 January 2026, during the Op Limit national campaign, 118 people were arrested on suspicion of being over the limit for alcohol or drugs while driving.

A total of 66 arrests were made for drink driving, while 52 arrests were made for drug driving. This total of 118 arrests is an increase from December 2024, when 107 arrests were made.

Approximately 79 per cent of those arrested throughout the month were male, and the ages of everyone arrested ranged between 17 and 69 years old.

Throughout the month, officers from the Roads Policing Team were deployed to carry out various enforcement tactics, including stop-check sites, following up on reports from the public, proactive patrols and intelligence-led stop checks.

The Force received 316 calls during December reporting someone who may have been driving while under the influence of drink or drugs.

Inspector Joe Wheable, of the Roads Policing Team, said: “Unfortunately, these figures show that people are still intent on drink or drug driving and putting themselves and other road users at risk.

“While the increase in numbers is concerning, I want to make it very clear that we are relentless and are taking a robust approach to anyone caught driving while under the influence. This activity is not exclusive to December and will continue all year round.

“Over three quarters of the arrests made were as a result of our proactive policing, acting on intelligence or reports from the public, and carrying out stop checks of vehicles.

“Our officers are highly trained and have the equipment to spot anyone who may be driving while over the drink or drug limit, and we will continue to carry out proactive patrols to catch high-risk offending motorists.

“If you make the choice to drive while under the influence, you are putting yourself and others at increased risk of being involved in a road traffic collision, which could have devastating consequences and a life-changing impact on families within our communities.

“We are extremely grateful to every single person who made a report to us during December. Every call matters and allows us to take action to protect all road users across Dorset.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “I am pleased to see that Dorset Police’s December Op Limit has delivered strong results and clearly demonstrates the Force’s determination to protect our communities during one of the busiest times of the year. The operation led to 118 arrests, sending a clear message that criminal and dangerous behaviour on our roads will not be tolerated.

“I would like to thank the officers and staff involved for their professionalism, dedication and relentless focus on keeping people across Dorset safe.

“Tackling drug driving remains a priority and is a key part of the wider work to make our roads safer. I have consistently lobbied for stronger sanctions for offenders and greater awareness of the devastating impact drug driving can have on victims, families and communities. Operations like this show why robust enforcement, combined with tougher penalties, is essential if we are to change behaviour and prevent lives from being lost.”

If you suspect someone has been drinking or has taken drugs and is about to drive, please dial 999 and provide the make and model of the vehicle, registration number and direction of travel.