2 January 2012

New Year's wrap up

2 January 2012 | By johnboy

The majority of revellers celebrated New Years Eve in a responsible manner across Canberra, with five people arrested for offences relating to the New Years Eve celebrations in Civic overnight.

New Years Eve Operation Commander Superintendent Mick Calatzis said most of the arrests related to anti-social behaviour, with one man arrested for assaulting an ACT Government Official.

“The New Years Eve crowd in Civic and across Canberra were generally well-behaved, and enjoyed their night out with family and friends,” Superintendent Calatzis said.

Eleven people were taken into protective custody for being intoxicated, including one juvenile. Six Criminal Infringement Notices (CIN’s) were also handed out by police for minor street offences, including urinating in a public place.

High visibility traffic patrols were busy overnight, conducting over 440 random breath tests, with five people returning positive results.

Police also attended a collision around 2.30am on Kuringa Drive in Fraser, where a vehicle had rolled over after hitting a ditch. The female driver returned a positive roadside screening test, and was treated at the scene by ACT Ambulance Service for minor injuries. Four passengers were taken to The Canberra Hospital with minor injuries.

ACT Policing worked closely with other ACT Government agencies, including the Office of Regulatory Services and Emergency Services Agency to plan the New Years Eve celebrations in Civic, and Superintendent Calatzis said this is reflected in the low number of arrests.

“The majority of New Years Eve revellers planned their night, looked after their mates and behaved in a responsible manner. It is disappointing that some people chose to drink and drive overnight, even though other options, including ACTION’s Nightrider bus and taxis were available to get them home safely.”

“There was a highly-visible policing presence in Civic for New Years Eve, including officers from General Duties, Beats, Crime Prevention, Criminal Investigations, Traffic Operations and Specialist Response and Security.”

“Tackling alcohol-related violence is a priority for ACT Policing, and we will continue to work cooperatively with the ACT Government and other stakeholders to ensure similar results at other events throughout January, including Summernats and Australia Day celebrations,” he said.

[Courtesy ACT Policing]