Police issue stark World Cup warning for Cambridgeshire football fans
It's part of a crackdown on drink and drug driving this summer
As the World Cup continues, police are putting out a stark warning to football fans across Cambridgeshire in a crackdown on drink and drug drivers.
Police made 94 arrests in the county linked to drink and drug driving during the men's Euros in the summer of 2024, a rise on the same period last year.
Players in the force's football team have been trying out their skills while wearing beer and drug goggles to highlight the effects of co-ordination and accuracy after taking either alcohol or drugs.
"I think a lot of people associate watching the football with having a drink; there's nothing wrong with that, as long as you're not breaking the law," PC AJ Boddington, casualty reduction officer at Cambridgeshire Police, said.
"Drugs are slightly different; illegal drugs remain in your system for a long time, days and weeks, so if you decide illegal drugs that I don't condone the use of are important to you, don't be driving."
World Cup poses 'unique challenge' for police
Last Christmas, Mr Boddington led an anti-drink and drug driving campaign where measures such as roadside checks and extra patrols were in use throughout December.
He said more officers will be present during the tournament, particularly during England games.
For that campaign, 43 pubs and venues in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough signed up to the force's 'I'm DES' scheme, where those venues taking part give free or discounted soft drinks to designated drivers.
But the force may face a different challenge to keep people safe.
"This tournament has a unique challenge because a lot of the games will be played in the evenings or early hours," Mr Boddington added.
"(Make sure) if you make a plan before you're going out, you're the designated driver or book a taxi, you're out together (and) doing the right thing.
"We'll always put the messaging out to tell people what's sensible and what isn't and that will continue throughout the World Cup.
"You could hurt somebody or worse and I've had to unfortunately knock on a lot of people's doors in my career to let them know their loved one isn't coming home, and I don't want that to happen to people."