According to chief inspector Alex Zimmermann, this was the target asked by the SA police commissioner for the past financial year.

Chief inspector Zimmermann explained in the previous years, the local service area was five times bigger so it’s difficult to compare past outcomes.

“We are happy to have met the challenge,” he said.

The Local Service Area was originally known as Barossa and Yorke LSA.

In July 2009 the area was downsized to now involve the council regions of Barossa, Light, Gawler and Mallala.

Results for the past financial year for this LSA include:

• About 900 people were arrested.

• More than 9000 people were stopped in respect of traffic matters (either receiving a traffic infringement/defect or caution).

• About 36,000 random breath tests were held.

• 650 drug tests were carried out.

• 369 people were detected for drink driving.

• 162 people were arrested or reported for a variety of drug offences.

• 38 people were barred from licensed premises by police.

• 47 vehicle impoundments under the hoons legislation.

Chief Inspector Zimmerman said seven road fatalities were recorded within the local service area from this year.

“While this is one less than the same time last year still remains as a tragic number.

“Our aim remains to achieve a fatality free LSA and hence road safety will remain a priority focus area for police especially with a number of traffic operations planned for the year, specifically targeting the ‘fatal five’ of speeding, drink/drug driving, seatbelts, inattention and vulnerable road users,” he said.

From August 8 this year, 37 people have had their licence taken away with immediate loss of licence provisions, which equates to one vehicle per day.

However, the level of theft from motor vehicles and break-ins in non-residential premises remain at a high level with the most significant issue in these categories of crime being the lack of attention to the security of vehicles and premises.

“Everyone is encouraged to increase the level of security and, in the case of vehicles, ensure that valuables are removed and the vehicle is properly secured.”

In addition, there will be an increase in the policing of licensed premises to reduce the incidence of alcohol fuelled violence and property damage.

“We are working closely with licensees on these issues and a variety of licensed premises in the area will be the subject of specific ‘operations’ through the year,” Chief Inspector Alex Zimmermann added.