Police are generally pleased about the low number of alcohol-related incidents in Otago over the Christmas holiday period.
"It hasn't been too bad for this time of year," Acting Senior Sergeant Chris George said yesterday.
"We've had the odd domestic incident coming in, but nothing too major."
Police targeted alcohol-related issues over Christmas, running Operation in Excess in an attempt to change attitudes to drinking and Operation Unite to combat drunken violence.
Some alcohol-related offences were reported around the region.
An 18-year-old Milton man will appear in the Dunedin District Court today charged with committing arson at a Tokoiti Rd residence at 1.30am on Christmas Day while intoxicated.
"He allegedly started a number of fires at the address and a boat and a shed were extensively damaged," Acting Snr Sgt George said.
"Police are concerned that this incident had the potential to cause loss of life, as the occupants were asleep in the house at the time."
Police also attended "a particularly messy" fight between an allegedly drunk father and son, in Mosgiel on Boxing Day.
Senior Sergeant Steve Aitken said the men, a 40-year-old and an 18-year-old, faced a variety of charges after their arrest, including assaulting police, after a police officer was punched and another was almost bitten.
A 37-year-old Timaru man faces seven charges, relating to disorderly behaviour, assault and damaging a police car, following an incident in Omarama yesterday morning.
The man, who had been drinking at a local hotel, returned to his accommodation and police were called by staff about 4am due to his disorderly behaviour, Constable Paul Mander said.
No-one was injured, although the window of a police car was smashed.
Police operations targeting drinking, driving offences and general disorder remain in place throughout Otago, with the speed limit tolerance reduced to 5kmh over the summer holiday break.
Extra police will be rostered on for the New Year's Eve celebrations in hot spots around the region, with more than 70 Dunedin staff transferring to the Queenstown, Cromwell, Wanaka, Alexandra and Ranfurly police stations.
Social agencies Mirror Services and the Salvation Army Bridge programme are encouraging people to drink responsibly and enjoy the holiday break.
The official holiday period started at 4pm on Christmas Eve and finishes at 4pm on January 5.
