More than 140 people were arrested at the weekend during a crime prevention operation, Northern Cape police said yesterday.

More than 140 people were arrested at the weekend during a crime prevention operation, Northern Cape police said yesterday.

"Eighty-three people were arrested for alcohol related offences. Most of them were pedestrians who were drunk in public," said police spokesman Captain Tony Modise.

"Others were drinking alcohol in public, driving under the influence of alcohol and operating illegal shebeens."

Forty-three others were arrested for crimes ranging from wanted suspects, assault, housebreaking, malicious damage to property, domestic violence, possession of dagga and stolen goods as well as stealing from motor vehicles.

"Twenty drivers were arrested for traffic related offences," said Modise.

The police confiscated dagga worth R22000, stolen goods worth R13000 and 47 dangerous weapons.

Three hundred and two people and 443 vehicles were stopped during patrols and road blocks.

Police said they would intensify their crime prevention campaign that would run from Christmas eve until January 2. - Sapa