NT Police have found the resources to conduct 1888 breath tests on Territory motorists last week, resulting in 66 positive results across the NT, with 51 of those drivers in the Greater Darwin region, police said.

It’s part of a new crackdown on drink-driving, with police saying the total number of drink drivers to early August has nearly equalled the number for the whole of last year, but did not provide those figures.

“Police are increasing breath testing across the Territory and we will hold anyone drink driving to account,” said Sergeant Chris Thurgood.

Of the 1,888 breath tests administered in one week, 3.5 per cent of them came back positive, alarming police.

“It only takes one idiot driving under the influence to end or ruin lives,” Sergeant Thurgood said.

“We all know alcohol is one of the leading causes of road trauma and death. We’ve seen too many lives lost on Territory roads this year. It’s only the beginning of August and we have nearly equalled the number for the whole of last year.”

Police did not say how many tests had been conducted last year, or what the percentage of drink drivers of those tests returned positive results.

He said putting lives at risk is not acceptable.

“Please, if you’re going to drink, make arrangements to get home safely.”