Police set to increase their presence at party hot-spots, on roads over NYE
Road along Geelong waterfront will be closed as police warn zero-tolerence for rowdy behaviour on Saturday night.
Geelong
Don't miss out on the headlines from Geelong. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Police have warned party-goers that rowdy behaviour will not be tolerated as locals and tourists across the region prepare to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
Roads along the Geelong waterfront will be closed during the festivities on Saturday night with Eastern Beach Rd, between Moorabool and Bellerine streets, and Yarra St, between Brougham St and Eastern Beach Rd, shut from 8pm to 12:15am.
Police will increase their presence on New Year’s Eve, patrolling party hot-spots around the Geelong CBD, the Bellarine and the Surf Coast.
Geelong Superintendent Peter Ward said police would use technology to monitor crowd behaviour and keep celebrations under control on Saturday night.
He said they would also conduct more breath and drug tests along major roads.
“We now have the increased ability to detect more people who drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs so if you choose to do so, prepared to be caught,” Superintendent Ward said.
Police will also use drones across the region on New Year’s Eve to help keep celebrations under control.
Local police will be supported during New Year’s Eve operations by the public order response team, the dog squad, water police and road policing specialists.
Superintendent Ward said police wanted people to enjoy themselves as they ring in 2023, but warned poor behaviour would not be tolerated.
“We want people to have a good time but we also want people to respect each other and for all to go home safely,” he said.
Police urged people out celebrating on Saturday night to be aware of their surroundings and to look after each other, especially in large crowds.
“We will so our best to prevent crime, public order and road policing offences to ensure overall community safety,” Superintendent Ward said.
It comes after Geelong police praised crowd behaviour over the Christmas period with minimal arrests and drink driving offences recorded.
With more warm weather on way, police are warning motorists to remain vigilant on our roads and expect a heavy police prescene when heading to the coast.
“People just need to be patient and mindful that there are a lot more people on our roads at the moment,” said Sergeant Ash Patterson from Geelong police.
“There will be more police out there to make sure people are doing the right things.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Police set to increase their presence at party hot-spots, on roads over NYE
Racehorse strapper learns fate over sex act with animal
A man was caught on CCTV performing a sex act with a horse after breaking into a stable. A court has heard the horse’s owner can’t get the footage from her mind.
Social housing project stalls, future uncertain
The site of a large-scale social housing project in Geelong’s inner-south sits vacant and details have been pulled from the web, but its proponent says construction will commence soon.