Police have issued a stern warning to drink drivers who try to cover up accidents -- "lie to us and you will be prosecuted".

The Oxford car crime department, based at St Aldate's police station, wants motorists who flout the law to come clean and admit their mistakes.

The warning comes after an alleged incident where a man reported his car stolen, then later admitted he had crashed it after drink-driving.

The current legal limit is 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood or 107mg of alcohol in 100ml of urine.

At twice the legal limit you are at least 50 times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision.

Pc Lewis Mayling said: "We get several falsely reported crimes for a number of reasons, which under new legislation you can be automatically fined £80.

"We urge people to be responsible with their drinking. If they are involved in accidents, they should remain at the scene and report it as soon as possible.

"Trying to cover themselves by making a false report only leads to more serious offences, like perverting the course of justice."

He said on average about 16 people were arrested every day in the Thames Valley region for drink-driving as the level of arrests stayed fairly constant throughout the year.

He appealed to drivers to make alternative arrangements to get home this Christmas, adding: "Drink driving is a serious offence. If you go out to a party, either stay at a friend's house or arrange for a taxi or a lift home.

"It's not worth risking yours or somebody else's life just for the sake of a drink."

Anyone with information about drink drivers or car crime in Oxford is asked to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Pc Mayling can be contacted via the police enquiry centre on 08458 505505.