POLICE will be highly visible on New Year’s Eve in a bid to quell violence and antisocial behaviour between late night revellers.
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Large numbers of people are expected to attend licenced venues in Albury on Sunday to ring in 2018.
Superintendent Evan Quarmby said the focus would be on roving patrols of key areas in a bid to keep the community safe.
“Police will be out in force for New Years,” he said.
“We enjoy having a community that is generally a safe community.
“We encourage people to go out and enjoy the New Year period but we encourage them to do that safely and certainly responsibly.
“If they chose not to follow that advice, there will be plenty of police out and about.”
The period can be busy for police, fuelled by alcohol-related violence.
It will be the first time new security cameras will be in use on New Year’s Eve in Albury’s CBD.
“That will certainly assist us when we are looking at making sure people are safe as they’re out enjoying the season and enjoying our licensed premises,” Superintendent Quarmby said.
“We always do things differently, we always learn from previous years.
“This year’s focus will be on being out, being visible and hopefully stopping incidents before they occur.”
New Year’s Eve and the first few hours of the year are considered the worst periods for violence.
Police have previously told The Border Mail domestic violence offences rise during the festive period.
Crime statistics show a spike in sexual offences in Victoria in the lead up to the period.
Alcohol, drugs and heat often contribute to offending.
Albury’s major venues are planning various events to celebrate the start of 2018.
Paddys, One, The Bended Elbow, Zed Bar and Public House are all hosting New Year’s celebrations on Sunday night.
Officers will patrol the venues.
“Police have a very strong focus on licensed premises and other areas where functions are held,” Superintendent Quarmby said.
“We’ll do everything in our power with enough police resources to make sure we can follow that through.”
The city's new 52 camera CCTV system was switched on last week, covering key areas in the CBD.
Police can monitor the footage in real time.
Mayor Kevin Mack said the council may consider installing more cameras in areas including Volt Lane and parts of Lavington.
