WHO Report on Alcohol Violence Significant Says Police

WHO Report on Alcohol Violence Significant Says Police

There is no doubt that one of the key drivers behind the escalating levels of violent crime in Australia and New Zealand is the misuse of alcohol, says Commissioner McRoberts. Mr McRoberts, ANZPAA Operation Unite Alcohol spokesperson was speaking out in support of a new World Health Organisation report on the harmful effects of alcohol.

The Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health 2011 identifies the harmful use of alcohol results in the death of 2.5 million people annually, causes illness and injury to many more, and increasingly affects younger generations and drinkers in developing countries. Mr McRoberts states that the report is a wake up call to the community on the risks of irresponsible drinking.

Police across Australia and New Zealand are demonstrating their united determination to improve community safety by promoting responsible consumption of alcohol through joint police operations.

Operation Unite is a joint initiative of police Commissioners across Australia and New Zealand . It demonstrates the united determination of police to challenge alcohol misuse, crime, violence and anti-social behaviour and achieve significant change in Australia and New Zealand .

The fourth Operation Unite will coincide with the events of National Youth Week (1-10 April 2011). Police are using the weekend as an opportunity to highlight to youth the risk of injury, assault and violence associated with excessive alcohol consumption.

“Over 80 per cent of our young people are regular drinkers. We are alarmed that young people don’t seem to realise when they go out that they or their mates are likely to be a victim of alcohol misuse. Alcohol presents a significant short and long term risk - too many of our young people are drinking to excess and cause or experience significant harm as a result,” says Mr McRoberts.

Operation Unite will officially be launched this year on 5 April 2011 and will be held over the weekend of 8-9 April 2011. Police focus in this Operation will be on vulnerable and at-risk youth.

ENDS

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