The Standard reported on Saturday a police source suggested up to a third of preliminary alcohol breath tests in the south-west may have been falsified. Western Region Division Two Acting Inspector Steve Thompson said it was an issue for Victoria Police across the state.

“To fully understand the extent of the issues the organisation of Victoria Police has commissioned an external review to better understand exactly what has occurred and the impact on both police and the community,”  Acting Inspector Thompson said.

“I’d certainly like to say to suggest that one-in-three breath tests conducted across the Western Region Division have been falsely recorded, I believe, is an overstatement and inaccurate.

“It’s not a true reflection of the way police go about their duties across this division.

“I’d also like to reassure the community that road trauma is of the highest priority for police and that we will continue to make every effort to keep our roads as safe as possible for both the local community and those visiting the area.”

In other unrelated police matters, a Portland man has been remanded in custody and charged with theft.

Portland police Sergeant Daniel Lehmann said the man, 27, stole a range of confectionery from a Portland supermarket. The offending occurred about 3pm on Sunday. He was out on bail.

Sergeant Lehmann said the man had been remanded in custody and he will appear at the Warrnambool Magistrates Court on Tuesday. 

Police were out in force over the long weekend targeting speed, driver distraction and drink drivers.