No known terror threat as police out in force for New Year’s Eve

Police will be out in force on New Year’s Eve and targeting out-of-control Airbnb parties as hundreds of thousands of people get set to celebrate the beginning of 2019.

Police will be out in force as Melburnians turn out for New Year's Eve festivities. Picture: Jay Town

Police will be out in force on New Year’s Eve and targeting out-of-control Airbnb parties as hundreds of thousands of people get set to celebrate.

Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton told the Herald Sun police would saturate the CBD, towns, roads and popular holiday destinations.

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Although there is no known terror threat to New Year’s Eve celebrations, members of the highly-trained Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) will be patrolling the city’s streets ready to respond instantly to an attack.

The threat of terrorism has been highlighted in Melbourne in the past two months, with a deadly terror attack in Bourke St and counter terrorism arrests both taking place last month.

Police will patrol the city’s streets as thousands of revellers ring in 2019. Picture: Mal Fairclough

“We have no specific threat and nor do we have any increased intelligence to suggest any threat,” Mr Patton said.

He said the force’s Security Intelligence Unit, which is part of Counter Terrorism Command, had been liaising with the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation regarding New Year’s Eve.

“Our Counter Terrorism Command are on duty that night and if there is any intelligence gained we will be on to it straight away.”

Officers are also working behind the scenes scanning and monitoring short-term rental bookings to try to stop any planned house parties getting out of control.

“We are working closely with the providers to receive and share real-time information so we can alert homeowners if we hear about a planned party at their property that poses significant risks,” Mr Patton said.

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Frontline police across the state will be supported by other specialist squads including the water police, mounted branch, operations response unit, public order response team, dog squad, and air wing.

Following incidents at the St Kilda foreshore, police will be out in force there to ensure no trouble erupts.

Mr Patton also urged people to enjoy alcohol responsibly this New Year’s Eve.

“Police will have zero tolerance for any behaviour that puts the safety of others at risk,” he said.

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