Increased police presence set for Lunar New Year Festival
Following the death of teenager Aguer Akech Lual last month, police have promised to increase their presence and conduct strengthened searches on all patrons of the upcoming Lunar New Year Festival in St Albans.
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Police have promised a heavy presence at a major festival in Melbourne’s west this weekend.
They will use special provisions available for major events allowing them expanded powers to search people at the Lunar New Year Festival in St Albans on Sunday, January 5.
It has been declared the subject of an Omni operation, which allows the strengthened search capacity under the Control of Weapons Act.
Thousands of Brimbank residents are expected to attend the festival, which will include food stalls, entertainment and fireworks.
The heavy police presence comes after 17-year-old Aguer Akech Lual was killed in St Albans last month after a brawl broke out during a tense stand-off between two groups of youths.
Police arrested 10 people from across both groups on the night, but no charges have yet been laid.
The designated search areas include St Albans Rd, Percy St, Main Rd East, View St, Craigielea Ave, Alfrieda St and Alexina St.
Police are urging patrons to co-operate with the search, which will include vehicle searches and removing items of clothing, headwear, scarfs and jackets.
They may also conduct a pat down search and ask patrons to remove items from bags and pockets.
Divisional Commander of North West Metro Region Superintendent David Jones said there would be a strong police presence at the event from 10am.
“If you attend the event and behave in a disruptive manner, you will be swiftly arrested and held to account,” Supt Jones said.
“We will not accept any unwanted or anti-social behaviour that ruin celebrations for anyone else.”
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Supt Jones said police would be in attendance until the end of the event, which concludes with a special fireworks display from 9.30pm.
“We know that this is a significant celebration for our Vietnamese and Chinese communities, and we look forward to being there to help hundreds of festival-goers feel safe.”