Recidivists - described as people with three or more convictions for drink/drugged driving - account for about 20% of all drink-driving apprehensions in Otago and Southland.
Southern District road policing acting manager Senior Sergeant Steve Larking confirmed police had been visiting recidivist drink-drivers at their homes, as part of "targeted enforcement".
"We call it cold-calling, and we go and knock on the door and try and ascertain why they drink and drive.
"We give them the message that police are aware they have a problem with drink-driving and we will be actively looking at them."
Figures released to the Otago Daily Times under the Official Information Act, show there was a small increase in recidivist drink-drivers between 2007 (309) and 2011 (321), largely due to an increase in Southland over the same period.
Snr Sgt Larking said police proactively targeted recidivists and "we are able to identify these drivers and their vehicles and adjust our enforcement accordingly".
The number of drink-driving offences has remained steady in the Southern District over the past five years, with police recording a 2% decrease between 2007 and 2011.
Snr Sgt Larking said while any reduction was a step in the right direction, "this doesn't mean that we should be complacent".
Particularly pleasing was the 16% reduction in the number of drink-driving offences involving those under 20; helped by an increase in driver's licence age and the move to a zero alcohol limit which came into effect in August.
Since then, 413 drivers under the age of 20 have been charged with driving with an excess blood- or breath-alcohol reading in the Southern District. Of those, 155 recorded a breath-alcohol reading over 400mcg - the adult limit- including one recidivist Dunedin driver aged under 20.
Asked why Southland drink-driving numbers were often higher than those in Dunedin or Otago Rural, Snr Sgt Larking said there could be "many reasons for this".
"However, I know police and partner agencies in Southland are working hard and committed to having a positive impact on drink-drivers and making Southland roads safe."
Drivers under the influence of alcohol showed slower reaction time, were more likely to exhibit risky behaviour and were more likely to be involved in a crash, potentially causing death or serious injury to themselves or others, he said.
The legal adult breath-alcohol limit is 400mcg, and the blood-alcohol limit is 80mg.
Police had a simple message for those opting to drink and drive.
"Don't do it. Don't place yourself and others at risk of serious harm or death by drink-driving," Snr Sgt Larking said.
He urged people who intended to go out drinking to also have a plan to "get home in a safe way".
Southern District police operated two dedicated drink-driving teams, targeting drink-drivers in rural and urban areas. However, the large rural road network, often isolated, meant speed and alcohol "presents more frequently as a factor in a crash".
Those who elected to drink and drive would not "get away with it", as Southern District police were committed to targeting drink-drivers via compulsory breath-test sites, and regular operations in rural and urban communities.
Yesterday morning, police stopped a 22-year-old man in Kenmure Rd, Dunedin. He recorded a positive breath-alcohol test but opted for a blood sample.
Recidivist drink driver Raymond Laing was sentenced to three years' jail when he appeared in the Napier District Court yesterday for his 26th drink driving offence.
