Key Takeaways
- Victoria Police responded to hundreds of calls about illegal fireworks on New Year’s Eve
- 18 people were arrested across the state for alleged offences including assaults, driving offences, and property crime
- A 31-year-old man suffered serious facial injuries and burns due to illegal fireworks, while a 43-year-old man was taken to hospital with a serious finger injury
- Over 2,000 police officers were deployed across the state, with expanded search powers in effect in Melbourne’s CBD, St Kilda, and Geelong
- A number of weapons were seized during searches, including an angle grinder, balaclava, gloves, and items suspected to be used for breaking and entering
Introduction to New Year’s Eve Incident
The New Year’s Eve celebrations in Victoria were marked by a mix of revelry and reckless behavior, with police responding to hundreds of calls about illegal fireworks. Despite the challenges, Victoria Police Acting Superintendent Chris Hamilton said they were generally happy with the behavior of revellers. However, the night was not without incident, with 18 people arrested across the state for alleged offences including assaults, driving offences, and property crime. The arrests were a result of a coordinated effort by police to ensure public safety, with over 2,000 officers deployed across the state.
Fireworks-Related Incidents
The use of illegal fireworks was a major concern for police, with 313 incidents reported across the state. Acting Superintendent Hamilton said that most of these incidents were related to illegal or homemade fireworks, which can be extremely dangerous. Tragically, a 31-year-old Mickleham man suffered serious facial injuries and burns, including a life-changing eye injury, and was taken to hospital. A 43-year-old man in Corio also suffered a serious finger injury as a result of fireworks. These incidents highlight the risks associated with the use of illegal fireworks and the importance of public safety measures.
Police Operations and Arrests
As part of Operation OMNI, police had expanded search powers in effect in Melbourne’s CBD, St Kilda, and Geelong. These powers allowed police to seize a number of items, including an angle grinder, balaclava, gloves, and items suspected to be used for breaking and entering. The items were found on a 17-year-old boy who was wanted by police on other matters. He was charged and bailed to face a children’s court at a later date. Police also arrested a 15-year-old boy and two men aged 23 and 26 in connection with a hoon meet at Williams Landing. These arrests demonstrate the proactive approach taken by police to address potential safety risks and prevent incidents from escalating.
Assessment of the Celebration
Despite the incidents, Victoria Police NYE State Commander Belinda Jones said that the celebration was relatively safe across Victoria. She attributed this to the great behavior shown by crowds, who heeded advice to celebrate safely and responsibly. Commander Jones noted that there was a small number of people who took it too far and chose to do the wrong thing, but all reported incidents were resolved quickly, ensuring no disruption to the wider community. She thanked every police officer who assisted across the state to ensure that Victorians could enjoy the festivities safely.
Conclusion and Reflection
In conclusion, the New Year’s Eve celebrations in Victoria were marked by a mix of revelry and reckless behavior. While there were incidents related to illegal fireworks and other offences, the overall assessment is that the celebration was relatively safe. The deployment of over 2,000 police officers and the use of expanded search powers were key factors in maintaining public safety. As the state looks to future celebrations, it is likely that police will continue to take a proactive approach to addressing potential safety risks and preventing incidents from escalating. The incidents that did occur serve as a reminder of the importance of public safety measures and the need for individuals to celebrate responsibly.