LANCASHIRE Constabulary launched its annual Christmas 'Don't Drink and Drive' campaign yesterday (Wednesday).

The campaign will take a different approach, by focusing on intelligence-led targeted policing, in addition to the high-profile roadside checks.

The force has teamed up with Crimestoppers to go county wide with the successful 'Drink Link' scheme, started in Southern Division last year.

The purpose of the 'Drink Link' scheme is to encourage people to report drink-drivers to the police, anonymously if they wish, via the well-known Crimestoppers number - 0800 555 111.

The police can then act on the information received to target persistent drink-drivers and help prevent accidents.

The launch took place at Vertex Training and Conference Centre, in Chorley, and was attended by Acting Assistant Chief Constable Paul Harry, Chorley civic dignitaries and Lancashire Crimestoppers chairman John Davies.

The campaign has the full support of the 'Together We Can Make The Difference' partners, including Lancashire County Council.

Chief Inspector Ian Bell said: "The campaign against drink-driving this Christmas will be different, with police officers acting on information received to target those people who we believe are drink-drivers.

"The information can be left anonymously on the Crimestoppers number or if it requires immediate police action by telephoning the local police station and in a real emergency by dialling 999.

"In addition to this, officers will be carrying out the high-profile roadside checks at various points around the county in December, and into the new year."

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