Police ramp up security at war memorials, marches for 110th Anzac Day

Security will be ramped up at war memorials across the state this 110th Anzac Day following a shocking act of alleged vandalism last week, as police prepare to swarm the streets and punters are reminded to remain respectful.

Security will be ramped up at war memorials across the state this Anzac Day following a shocking act of alleged vandalism last week, as police prepare to swarm the streets and punters are reminded to remain respectful on our “most solemn day of the year”.

Operation Anzac Day 2025 Commander, NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna, said police were increasing patrols and surveillance after parts of a heritage-listed war memorial in Dorrigo were allegedly broken off and removed on April 19. A man and woman have since been arrested and charged.

But Mr McKenna had strong words for anyone planning to disrespect service men and women, as hundreds of police officers prepare to descend on the Sydney CBD on Friday for Anzac Day’s 110-year anniversary.

“It was really disappointing, wasn’t it, to see a couple of people (allegedly) decide that they would vandalise a war memorial leading up to Anzac Day. It’s just un-Australian, to be honest with you,” he said.

“We certainly are ramping up our patrols and security. Here in Sydney, we have 24/7 security (at war memorials) leading up to Anzac Day because we can’t account for that one per cent, those idiots who want to get out there and do something like that, it’s really quite disgusting.

Sydneysiders planning to mark Anzac Day have been reminded to act responsibly. Picture: Saeed Khan / AFP

Surveillance will be ramped up at NSW war memorials. Picture: Luke Marsden.

“If we find people who are doing the wrong thing, they will face the full force of the law.”

Riot squads, traffic and highway patrol, bike and mounted police will be stationed to protect service men and women and the thousands of people expected to attend morning marches.

By the afternoon, Mr McKenna reminded “those who are kicking on and playing a bit of two-up” to act responsibly.

“We really don’t want a day where there’s a lot of police involvement on the negative side of things, but I can assure you that we have zero tolerance for anti-social or criminal behaviour,” he said.

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

RSL NSW president Mick Bainbridge. Picture: Thomas Lisson

“Tomorrow is about those men and women who’ve gone before us, those men and women who have served this country and are still serving.”

RSL NSW president Mick Bainbridge urged young people to attend marches and show their support as the vandalisation of war memorials was “becoming more common”.

“I’ve lost friends overseas and more friends to suicide. I think this exact day takes on a special meaning for each and every veteran and their families. It’s the one day of the year. It’s probably not enough thanks to our servicemen and women, but get out there, say thanks.”

Transport for NSW have reminded people planning to head into the city for marches or two-up to leave the car at home as there will be extensive road closures in the CBD.

Extra metro and train services will be running in the morning to help people get to events.

Public transport will also be free across the network, including in regional areas, for veterans, serving Australian Defence Force personnel, their families and carers by wearing uniform, medals, or other proof of military service.

Originally published as Police ramp up security at war memorials, marches for 110th Anzac Day