Key Takeaways
- Two young people were arrested in Bridport after an alleged on-street brawl during New Year’s Eve celebrations.
- The arrests were made despite overall positive behavior reported by Tasmania Police across the state during the festivities.
- Police conducted over 500 wand searches and made several arrests, including three at the Beerfest event in Launceston.
- Officers also conducted 1,219 random breath tests, detecting nine drink drivers and four drug drivers.
- A man who fell into the water at Elizabeth St Pier was rescued by police and firefighters, along with a passerby who attempted to assist.
Introduction to the Incident
Two young people have been arrested after an alleged on-street brawl in Bridport overnight during New Year’s Eve celebrations. The incident occurred on the main road of the popular holiday destination, where several fights were reported to have taken place. An 18-year-old man and a youth were charged with failing to comply with police direction, while the youth is facing an additional charge of disorderly conduct. Another person in Bridport was arrested for drink driving, adding to the list of incidents that took place during the celebrations.
Police Response and Overall Behavior
Despite the incidents in Bridport, Tasmania Police reported overall positive behavior across the state during New Year’s festivities. Inspector John Toohey stated that police maintained a strong presence at entertainment precincts and major events throughout the night, which contributed to the safe and respectful atmosphere. He praised the cooperation from the public, saying that it made it possible for everyone to enjoy the night without any major issues. The police conducted more than 500 wand searches statewide as part of their safety strategy, with only one pair of scissors located during the operation. This suggests that the majority of patrons celebrated responsibly and without any major incidents.
Arrests and Incidents
Police made three arrests during the Beerfest event in Launceston, including a 19-year-old Mowbray man who was arrested twice for failing to comply with a police officer and issued one summons for drug offences. In addition to the arrests in Bridport and Launceston, officers conducted 1,219 random breath tests as part of Operation Safe Arrival, detecting nine drink drivers and four drug drivers. A total of 96 infringement notices were issued to speeding drivers, highlighting the importance of road safety during the celebrations. In the south, police and firefighters rescued a man who had fallen into the water at Elizabeth St Pier, along with a passerby who attempted to assist. Fortunately, neither sustained significant injuries, thanks to the quick response of the emergency services.
Conclusion and Reflection
Inspector Toohey reflected on the overall behavior of the Tasmanian community during the New Year’s festivities, stating that while event precincts across the state were busy throughout the night, and there were some arrests, the police were very happy with the overall behavior. The incidents in Bridport and Launceston were isolated, and the majority of patrons celebrated responsibly. The police presence and safety strategy, including the wand searches and random breath tests, contributed to the safe and respectful atmosphere. As the community looks back on the celebrations, it is clear that the overall positive behavior and cooperation from the public made it possible for everyone to enjoy the night in a safe and respectful way.