Stark new security measures to protect Sydney’s shoppers
SYDNEY may have permanent anti-terror measures in the CBD after Boxing Day crowds shopped amid four trucks, two cranes and more than 60 bollards, which were put in place to protect people from a Flinders St, Melbourne-style pedestrian attack.
NSW
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BOXING Day shoppers yesterday came face-to-face with a stark new festive season reality: Fortress Sydney — and the anti-terror measures may become permanent.
Four trucks, two cranes and more than 60 bollards built a ring of steel, cement and plastic around the city’s heart, blocking off Market, George, Elizabeth and Castlereagh streets.
As record crowds descended for the traditional sales, shoppers said the unprecedented security made them feel safer in the wake of the horrific Flinders St attack in Melbourne.
The measures, in addition to road closures yesterday, were put in place as thousands flocked to the CBD to browse post-Christmas sales.
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Walton described the tactics as an “escalation” of the usual crowd protection strategies.
Although the national terror threat level had remained at “probable” for over two years, he said there was still a need for vigilance.
“We would be negligent not to look at our days when we do have a lot of people loaded in these areas and put some treatments in,” Mr Walton told 2GB today.
“You’ve only got to look at what’s happened internationally and even down in Melbourne to know people are vulnerable and we need to do what we can, within reason, to make them safe in these areas.”
Mr Walton also cited a national strategy for protecting crowded spaces, released by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in August, which requires landholders to consider security with advice from police.
“We really do need to mature in relation to the way we build structures around our footpaths and roadways,” he said.
“I was in London a month ago — there’s significant treatments all through London.
“I hope we don’t get to that point but I do believe there are some permanent structures that will be required in Sydney and other locations.”
The barriers and road closures were removed after Boxing Day, however the next major challenge for authorities will be New Year’s Eve.
Mr Walton said police had spent months planning a huge security operation. “There are a lot of measures that are already starting to go in around the city around how we manage the crowds and protect the crowds on New Year’s Eve,” he said.
But one traffic controller on the scene said his team had ramped up security after 19 pedestrians were mown down last week by a man driving a 4WD along Melbourne’s Flinders St.
“We went from barriers, to waterfills after the first one and now we’ve got concrete bollards,” he said.
Shoppers yesterday couldn’t help but notice the ramped up security.
“The trucks aren’t pretty but they do the job,” shopper Barbara Antonievich, 55, said.
“The bigger the crowd, the safer I feel. That’s because there is a lot of foot traffic and I know that no trucks or cars can get through.”
David Mason, 48, was enjoying the sales with his family but said they tried to stay away from the crowds as much as possible.
“Incidents like Barcelona and Melbourne really go through my head on days like this,” Mr Mason said.
“I think what they’ve done with the bollards and road closures is safer and better but it is still a concern. I’m just trying to avoid mass clumps of people.”
Ray Blasioli, 20, was at Pitt St Mall with friends and said the bollards and road closures made them feel more at ease. He said the possibility of an attack was in the back of his mind.
“It does feel safer down here this year,” Mr Blasioli, from western Sydney, said.
“You don’t have to look over your shoulder and think you might get hit by a car or something.”
This is the third year parts of the city have been closed to traffic on the biggest shopping day of the year but it is the first time trucks and bollards have been used.
In October, eight people were killed when a terrorist drove a rented truck into cyclists and runners in New York City.
In August, 14 people, including a Sydney schoolboy, died when a terrorist drove a van into pedestrians on La Rambla in Barcelona.
The joint operation between police and Transport for NSW swung into action from 1am yesterday and remained until 11pm.
Police Minister Troy Grant said people should go about their business as normal.
“Our police are focused on doing all they can to ensure public safety,” he said.
He said police were working with the owners and operators of crowded spaces to develop appropriate strategies and security measures.
“I encourage people to continue about their business as they normally would,” he said.