Police to create a ring of steel for New Year’s Eve celebrations in the city

HUNDREDS of additional police will be out in force to help keep up to 500,000 New Year’s Eve revellers safe in the CBD on Sunday night.

HUNDREDS of additional police will be out in force to help keep up to 500,000 New Year’s Eve revellers safe in the CBD on Sunday night.

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Emergency services have declared the city ready to deal with the huge crowds expected to see in 2018.

Police Minister Lisa Neville and Victoria Police chiefs have reassured Victorians there is no immediate terror threat.

But the city will be on high alert, following last month’s ­arrest of Ali Khalif Shire Ali, who faces court on charges ­relating to an alleged New Year’s Eve massacre plot, and last week’s Flinders St ­incident.

Additional bollards will be placed in popular locations and it’s understood police vehicles will block off key streets.

Police Minister Lisa Neville has reassured Victorians there is no immediate terror threat. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

Deputy Commissioner ­Andrew Crisp said there will be an police presence along with additional bollards around the city. Picture: Alison Wynd

Ms Neville said Sunday’s celebrations were a “well-­planned” operation.

“We’ve ensured we have hundreds of additional police since the Flinders St incident and over the Christmas ­period,” she said.

“Those police officers will be well seen and available for the community for ­reassurance and protection on New Year’s Eve.”

Deputy Commissioner ­Andrew Crisp said that in addition to the increased police presence, the public would notice extra concrete bollards in key locations around the city.

“These barriers will work to make these areas safer for the public,” he said.

“Permanent bollards and street furniture have already been installed in the Bourke St Mall, with planning under way for permanent security ­up­grades at eight other locations.” Mr Crisp said the force had made extensive preparations for New Year’s Eve.

“No matter how you are seeing in the new year, you are likely to notice a highly ­visible police presence in our cities, towns and along the coastlines,” he said.

Police will have a strong presence in Melbourne’s cbd on New Year’s Eve.

Additional bollards will be placed in popular locations. Picture: Kylie Else

“We’ll be using specialist squads where needed, including the Water Police, Mounted Branch, Operations Response Unit, Public Order Response Team and the Air Wing.”

Revellers will also notice a high number of transit police and Protective Services Officers on trains and at railway stations around Melbourne and key regional hubs.

Police will also aim at anti-social behaviour and minimise the risks of crowd crush as ­people pour into the CBD and “live sites” with entertainment.

Ambulance Victoria state commander Paul Holman urged revellers to show restraint with alcohol: “We want people to look after themselves and their mates so we don’t need to look after them.”

The CBD celebrations are alcohol free, and fines apply.

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