MORE people were caught drink-driving on local roads over Christmas than the previous year - even though nearly 3,000 fewer drivers were stopped by police.

New figures reveal that of the 5,746 drivers stopped and breathalysed last month, 233 tested positive for alcohol or refused to give a sample.

During Christmas 2007, 8,507 stops were made and 170 proved positive or failed to give a sample.

Specific figures for the Epping Forest district are not available because of Home-Office reporting procedures, but 21 motorists stopped by the Chigwell Road Policing Unit this Christmas failed road-side tests, Essex Police said.

Adam Pipe, the force's causality reduction manager, said the increase was due to a more intelligence-led approach by the officers, and aided by 185 reports from the public of suspected drink drivers.

He said: "We caught more because we targeted offenders better, but we know that there is still a significant problem out there.

"These numbers only represent the tip of the iceberg, and we know there are people who have been habitually drink-driving all their lives and will do so until somebody is killed or seriously hurt."

He added: "Drink-driving is a problem all year round - not just at Christmas - and we need the public to continue to help us catch the culprits."

To report a drink driver anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.