SUFFOLK police today urged the public to shop anyone they suspect is a drink driver.As the force's Christmas anti-drink drive crackdown continues, 74 motorists suspected of being drunk have been arrested in the first 15 days of this month.

SUFFOLK police today urged the public to shop anyone they suspect is a drink driver.

As the force's Christmas anti-drink drive crackdown continues, 74 motorists suspected of being drunk have been arrested in the first 15 days of this month.

Officers say a vital weapon in their armoury is information from the public.

Chief inspector Alan Pawsey, head of the county's road policing unit, said: “If you see someone who is drinking and about to get into a vehicle dial 999. The same applies if you are driving yourself and think you see a drink driver. Get as many details as possible such as car, make, model and registration number and ring 999.

“In addition, if you know of someone who regularly drinks and drives, ring us on 01473 613500 and tell us about there drinking patterns.”

During the first two weeks of December, 13 of the 65 people who have provided a positive breath test have been involved in crashes where someone has been injured.

A further nine have been arrested as a result of refusing to take a breathalyser.

Seven per cent of all drivers tested proved positive. The figure was up from the 5.2pc during last year's police campaign.

Ch Insp Pawsey said: “It is obvious that a small core of people seem determined to ignore the drink and drug drive legislation.

There is no excuse or justification for this behaviour, with all of the publicity surrounding drink and drug driving, no one can claim to be ignorant about the potential tragic consequences of consuming alcohol and drugs and getting behind the wheel of a vehicle.”

“Officers in Suffolk actively seek drunk or drugged drivers, looking for any tell tale sign, such as lights not on or not working properly or vehicles being poorly controlled - anything which might indicate that the driver is not properly aware of what they are doing. These drivers will be stopped and tested for drink and drug use.”

“Where they test positive they will face the full force of the law, there are no acceptable excuses. The rule is simple if you have a drink or take drugs (including prescription drugs which carry a warning not to drive) - then don't drive.”

N As part of our Christmas annual campaign, The Evening Star has pledged to name and shame all drink drivers caught between December 1 and January 1 who appear before magistrates in Ipswich.

N Has your life been affected by drink driving? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk