NSW Police officers have arrested a total of 548 people and laid 966 charges during Operation Unite, a two-day police blitz targeting alcohol-related violence and anti-social behaviour across Australia and New Zealand.

Last night’s phase of the operation (Saturday night and Sunday morning) saw 275 people arrested and 486 charges laid for a variety of offences, including assault, affray, assault police, resist arrest, and possess and supply prohibited drug.

This follows the arrest of 273 people and the issuing of 480 charges during the first phase of Operation Unite on Friday night (and Saturday morning).

Over the course of the operation, more than 2,500 additional police officers were deployed to target licensed premises, transport hubs, roads, waterways and other hot spots across the state.

Police also conducted 34,850 random breath tests over the two night operation, leading to 188 motorists being charged for drink-driving.

Deputy Commissioner (Field Operations) Nick Kaldas said this year’s operation had resulted in police making more arrests than they did during last year’s.

“During last December’s (2011) Operation Unite we arrested 385 people over the two nights,” Deputy Commissioner Kaldas said.

“This year (2012), we arrested 548 people.

“Despite the community’s best efforts to curb alcohol-related violence and anti-social behaviour, it’s clear some people just aren’t getting the message.

“By all means, go out and enjoy a drink. Just make sure you do so responsibly.”

Some of the notable incidents police responded to last night included:

•           About 9pm (Saturday 8 December 2012), police were forced to shut down a party in Bellevue Hill, after more than 250 teenagers showed up at the Kambala Road property. While dispersing the crowd, police located a 13-year-old girl who, after allegedly consuming a large amount of vodka, had passed out in the backyard of the premises. She was taken to Randwick Children’s Hospital in a stable condition.

•           About 11pm (Saturday 8 December 2012), police were called to sand dunes at the southern end of Collaroy Beach, where approximately 150 teens were drinking and dancing. Officers dispersed most of the partygoers, before speaking to a number of teens who had been operating DJ equipment, speakers, power generators and laser lighting at the location.

About 12.30am (Sunday 9 December 2012), a police officer was assaulted by a man on River Street, Ballina, after the man was refused entry to a licensed hotel due to intoxication. The officer sustained cuts to his left arm and sprained his right wrist. A 36-year-old man was arrested at the scene and is expected to be charged with assault police and resist arrest.

About 1.30am (Sunday 9 December 2012), police were called to The Avenue in Mount Druitt after a 26-year-old man allegedly punched his 26-year-old female neighbour in the face. The 26-year-old woman’s father came to her defence and he too was allegedly punched by the man a number of times. Police arrested the man, who was noticeably affected by alcohol, and took him to Mount Druitt Police Station where he is expected to be charged with a number of offences.

About 1.45am (Sunday 9 December 2012), police attended Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, following reports of a brawl involving a number of men. Shortly after arriving, police arrested three men, before issuing all three with field court attendance notices for affray.

Deputy Commissioner Kaldas said police will continue to combat alcohol-related violence throughout the summer.

“During the summer in particular, we see far too many serious, alcohol-related assaults,” Deputy Commissioner Kaldas said.

“Getting drunk and getting into a fight can have life-altering consequences. It could result in someone dying or being seriously injured. It could also lead to someone spending years in jail.

“Police will be out in force over the coming months, with a number of operations planned to combat alcohol-related violence throughout the entire state.

“Nevertheless, we need to remind people that they are responsible for their own behaviour. Don’t write yourself off and put your life in harm’s way. Do the right thing by yourself, your family, your friends and other members of the community – take care of yourself when you are having a night out and get home safe and sound.”