Police praise behaviour of New Year’s Eve crowds
POLICE have praised the behaviour of New Year’s Eve revellers, with the vast majority of people showing good behaviour to see in 2018.
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POLICE have praised the behaviour of New Year’s Eve revellers, with the vast majority of people showing good behaviour to see in 2018.
As part of the New Year’s Eve operation across the state, police made 238 arrests, 99 of those for drunken behaviour.
Deputy Commissioner Andrew Crisp said he was pleased to see people enjoying the festivities responsibly and respectfully.
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“The extensive preparations Victoria Police put in place for New Year’s Eve ensured those who came into the Melbourne CBD and visited our coasts could celebrate safely,” Mr Crisp said.
“Uniform and plain clothes police were deployed to cities, towns and coastlines last night to monitor public order and crowd behaviour,
“Like every year, we want everyone to enjoy themselves but our police were out and about to target those who engage in anti-social behaviour, violence and drink and drug driving.”
Police arrested 23 people for reported assaults, 22 for drug related offences, seven for behavioural offences and three for theft related offences.
This is an increase of 55 compared to New Year’s Eve in 2016, where police arrested 183 people, including 110 for being drunk.
“Generally, we saw great behaviour by the crowds overnight, which was encouraging,” Mr Crisp said.
“There were a small number of people who did the wrong thing but they were dealt with by police so they didn’t spoil it for others.”