POLICE are cracking down on drink-drivers and urging the public to report on persistent offenders.

Thames Valley Police and Crimestoppers are urging drivers not to drink and drive and appealing for members of the public to help catch those who do.

Inspector Dave Hartin, head of the Thames Valley Police Traffic Intelligence and Operations Unit, said: "The summer months are historically among the worst.

"The problem is, while the weather is warm, people are tempted to have an additional drink to keep cool.

"While the best option is not to drink at all if you are planning to drive, unfortunately there is a hardcore of people who choose to ignore this advice and continue to put the lives of others at risk."

Between May 30, 1996 and June 1 this year, there were 1,554 fatal and injury accidents in the UK that were drink related, of these, 527 occurred during the summer months.

There were 179 people arrested in one month after providing positive breath tests or refusing to take a test.

This was due to a combination of information given by the public to Crimestoppers about habitual drink drive offenders and officers' vigilance with roadside breath tests.

If you know of a persistent offender call Crimestoppers on 08001 555 111.