DRINK-drivers have been warned they will be caught and punished as the police get ready for their summer crackdown.

Extra patrols will put on the streets of Bolton from this weekend as the town's traffic unit launches its annual campaign to catch drunken motorists.

Last August, officers caught 25 motorists who were over the limit and they hope there will be fewer arrests over the next two weeks.

Sgt Kevin Donnellan, from Bolton traffic unit, said: "Summer, like Christmas, does seem to make more people take a risk and have an extra couple of pints before getting in the car. We are always on the lookout for drink drivers, but over the next fortnight we will step up patrols. If you are caught you will almost certainly be disqualified and this could lead to you losing your job.

"Hopefully, people will use their common sense and not drink and drive."

Sgt Donnellan said police would not be targeting one specific age group, because people of all ages drink alcohol and then get behind the wheel.

He warned motorists that the extra patrols would continue into the morning.

"Some people have plenty to drink one night and then get up early the next day and drive to work," he said.

"They don't realise the alcohol is still in their system.

"If you are drinking during the evening and planning to drive the next day, either don't drink or drink in moderation."

Sgt Donnellan said the public can play a big part in helping to reduce drink driving.

He said: "If you suspect somebody of drinking while over the limit please give us a call."

It was revealed in April that the number of drink drivers prosecuted by the courts in the Bolton area increased by 44.

Men aged between 30 and 59 were the worst offenders.