NSW police praise behaviour of revellers during 2018 New Year’s Eve celebrations

NSW Police have praised the behaviour of revellers attending New Year’s Eve celebrations across Sydney.

Operation New Year’s Eve 2018 commenced yesterday (Monday 31 December 2018), as significant crowds converged on the Sydney Harbour foreshore and at events across the state for New Year’s festivities.

General duties officers from Police Area Commands across the state were assisted by specialist units including the Public Order & Riot Squad, Police Transport Command, Operations Support Group, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Licensing Police, Mounted Unit, Dog Unit, Marine Area Command and PolAir, throughout the operation.

While there were a few exceptions, the majority of people were well-behaved and enjoyed their celebrations safely and responsibly.

Several vantage points around the city were at capacity by mid-afternoon, as revellers travelled into the city and foreshore areas ahead of the 9pm and midnight fireworks displays.

During the operation, 35 people were arrested and charged with a total of 43 offences. The majority of charges were due to proactive police work across the event footprint, including 21 drug-related offences.

Six people were charged with affray, while another six were charged with offensive behaviour. Four people were charged with assaulting police and resisting arrest, while two were charged with common assault. The remaining four charges were for a traffic offence, stealing offence, possessing a prohibited weapon, and unlawfully deploying fireworks.

Metropolitan Field Operations and Operation New Year’s Eve 2018 Commander, Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Walton APM said police responded to a number of minor incidents throughout the operation; however, on the whole were pleased with the attitude and behaviour from members of the public.

“New Year’s Eve celebrations in Sydney are widely regarded as some of the best in the world, so it was great to see Sydneysiders living up to that reputation and acting responsibly,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Walton said.

“There were minimal reports of alcohol-related violence, which is a true reflection of how well-behaved the crowds were.

“Rain impacted celebrations at some vantage points early in the evening; however, it certainly didn’t stop Sydney from bringing in the new year in spectacular fashion.

“For those continuing celebrations into the morning, our officers will maintain a highly-visible presence across the state to ensure all revellers make it home safely.

“Remember that alcohol affects your ability to assess risks and make responsible decisions, so please take care of one another and think about the consequences of your actions,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Walton said.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Walton said police were pleased with the patience of crowds as they made their way home following the fireworks, despite significant delays.

“Due to the storms, there were delays across the public transport network and as a result, police were holding crowds away from train platforms for safety reasons and to prevent overcrowding,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Walton said.

“New Year’s Eve really is a night of celebrations, and as people left the city, they remained in high spirits and handled the consequences of being in a large crowd very well.

“Once again, Sydney celebrated the start to a new year with a sensational fireworks display, and for the vast majority, 2019 was celebrated safely,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Walton said.

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