Police operation nabs thieves, drink drivers

Police have been out in force, looking to prevent crime in central Auckland. Photo / File

A special police operation targeting crime in central Auckland this weekend has netted 10 drink drivers in its first 24 hours - a figure that has disappointed police.

Eighty extra police officers are on duty this weekend and have been monitoring and patrolling transport hubs, arterial routes and high-risk areas as part of Operation Lead.

Operation head, Inspector Vaughn Graham, said police knew a large amount of offending was committed by people who came into the city at the weekend, and this had been the target for police.

But of 927 people also breath tested at 15 checkpoints, 10 were found to be over the legal alcohol limit.

"These individuals are a danger to themselves and the public and took a considerable amount of resource to process overnight."

Another 147 vehicle infringement and traffic offence notices were issued, Graham said.

Three stolen vehicles were also recovered during the operation, and there were 16 arrests. Two people received summons to appear in court.

"We are pleased with some of the other early results, however with three stolen vehicles recovered and a significant number of arrests including several for breach of bail conditions. Some of these offenders were arrested either in the city or travelling into the city by train," Graham said.

"More significantly, amongst those arrests for breach of bail were some well known property crime offenders who have shown no regard for court imposed conditions and were at risk of inflicting further victimisation, if not detected and arrested."