Police charge 180 in violence crackdown

Police have charged more than 180 people with 210 offences as part of a crackdown on drunken violence and anti-social behaviour.

Popular entertainment spots across WA are being targeted by police this weekend as part of Operation Unite.

The operation is running nationally and involves hundreds of police flooding the streets as well as covert licensing operations, random breath testing and extra patrols.

More than 150 traffic infringements and 110 liquor infringements were issued in WA between 6pm yesterday and 6am today.

Police also charged 17 people with excess 0.05 per cent and 34 with excess 0.08 per cent.

About 45 people were picked up for disorderly behaviour.

A police spokeswoman said she hoped the operation would send out a clear message that alcohol-related violence, crime and drunken behaviour would not be tolerated.
Last year, 542 people were charged in WA as a result of Unite.