Police will be searching for weapons in the Geelong CBD and parts of Torquay this New Year’s Eve, with officers declaring designated areas in local hotspots.
Local police have warned there will be a highly visible presence in key areas, saying New Year’s Eve is one of the busiest nights of the year for emergency services.
“New Year’s Eve is one of our busiest statewide policing operations each year,” Superintendent Michael Reid from Western Region Division 1 said.
“Planning has been well underway for a number of month to ensure we’re well equipped for anything that may arise.
“Police will have a highly visible presence across Geelong and the Surf Coast this New Year’s Eve to keep community’s safe.”
From today there will be an Omni Operation in Geelong’s CBD and some parts of the Surf Coast as the area is declared a designated area under the Control of Weapons Act.
Superintendent Reid said this means police will have additional powers to search people for weapons and remove them from our streets.
“The reality is a very small section of our community choose to carry weapons and we know these operations serve as a strong deterrent,” he said.
“If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to worry about.
“Our message to those who carry weapons is clear; just don’t.
“There is a high chance you’ll be searched, caught and charged.”
The road safety blitz as part of Operation Roadwise will also continue until New Year’s Day, with Highway Patrol units scouring the roads and conducting drug and alcohol testing on drivers.
Police say illegal fireworks are also a continued concern on New Year’s Eve, with over 60 incidents last year which resulted in a number of serious injuries and fires.
