A large number of people gathered in Civic welcoming 2011 in a responsible and considered manner. Police noted the vast majority of revellers were well behaved and considerate of others, reflected in the low number of arrests.
New Year’s Eve Police Commander Superintendent Mark Antill said the 4 arrests related to anti-social behaviour and drug offences.
“We believe the high police visibility in entertainment districts contributed to the low number of incidents. Having a large police presence allowed us to intervene in situations prior to them getting out of hand. It’s great to see the great majority of revellers were well-behaved,” he said.
The Youth Reception Centre police established at City Station processed 10 young people with 8 collected by parents or suitable guardians within a reasonable amount of time, one conveyed to hospital and another escorted to the Watch House following unsuccessful attempts to find a suitable guardian.
The Alcohol Crime Targeting Team conducted 14 Licensing inspections, targeting occupancy loadings as well as the sale and supply of liquor to intoxicated persons, issuing 2 Criminal Infringement Notices.
Around 6.10am police attended a fight outside on East Row, Civic where a 17-year-old youth was subdued with capsicum spray. He was taken into custody for breach of the peace and later released into a responsible adults care.
Dedicated traffic patrols conducted high visibility random breath testing on major arterial roads throughout the evening. Over 500 tests were conducted by these patrols with no positive tests.
Superintendent Antill said the result of having no drivers found to be over the legal limit travelling to and from the entertainment districts is particularly pleasing for ACT Policing as it demonstrates that people planned their evening and travel arrangements. We hope this is indicative of a future trend with the Canberra community.
2 January 2025 |
