Police given extra powers to combat Aus Day alcohol-fuelled violence
Australia Day revellers have been put on notice, with police set to search people for weapons and crack down on troublemakers in the St Kilda area amid fears of violence over the long weekend.
VIC News
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Police will be given extra powers to search people for weapons in St Kilda on Australia Day amid concerns of alcohol-fuelled violence.
Additional police will patrol St Kilda’s beach and party strip on Sunday to quell potential violence before it starts.
Police will also inspect licensed venues to ensure the responsible service of alcohol.
Thousands of people are expected to flock to St Kilda to celebrate Australia Day as temperates rise to 26C.
Acting Commander Darren Franks said hot weather often triggers drunken violence but police were prepared for what might come.
This includes in the CBD and in the suburbs.
Cmdr Franks said: “Too often police see the negative impact that oversupply and excessive consumption of alcohol has including the devastating consequences of street assaults, road trauma and family violence.
“If you come into the CBD or attend any community events across the state looking to cause trouble, don’t bother; you will be arrested and held to account if you break the law.”
Police also warned out-of-control parties at Airbnbs or short-stay rentals would not be tolerated over the long weekend.
The Public Order Response Team and other police units will be called in to break up parties and street fights.
Cmdr Franks said: “There have been some concerns in the past where people book an Airbnb or short stay rental and there isn’t a tight control over the guest that come.”
“This can sometimes manifest in a really disrespectful, loud party that progresses into violence which police have to resolve.”
Derek Nolan, Airbnb’s head of public policy for Australia and New Zealand, said the platform enforces strict policies which includes bans on wrongdoers.
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Unauthorised and “open-invite” parties are strictly forbidden by Airbnb.
Airbnb, together with Victoria Police, advises hosts to provide guests clear rules about the use of the property before their arrival, and ensure their contact details are up-to-date in case police are called.
Cmdr Franks added: “For homeowners leasing out your property over summer, police strongly encourage you to have an active oversight of all bookings. If you have any suspicions about a booking, contact your service provider such as Airbnb as soon as possible.”
“If you have planned a small gathering at your short-term rental, do not advertise it on
social media and plan for how you will respond to uninvited guests and ensure that a
number of responsible adults stay sober and act as decision makers should any
issues arise.”