NSW Police has commended the behaviour of New Year's Eve crowds following a largely incident-free night in Sydney CBD and surrounding suburbs.
New Year's Eve is the largest policing operation of the year, with more than 2500 officers deployed in the Sydney metropolitan area to ensure the community were safe and felt safe as they welcomed in 2026.
Operation New Year's Eve 2025 involved uniformed and plain clothes officers in high-visibility patrols as crowds converged on the CBD, Sydney Harbour foreshore and at events across the state.
General duties police officers from multiple Police Area Commands and Districts across the state were assisted by specialist police from Traffic & Highway Patrol Command, Police Transport Command, the Public Order and Riot Squad, Operations Support Group, Licensing Police, Mounted and Dog Command, Marine Area Command, and PolAir.
Tens of thousands of people descended on vantage points around the Sydney harbour foreshore throughout the evening to enjoy both the 9pm and midnight fireworks displays.
Following the Bondi Beach terror attack, the NSW Police Commissioner authorised for long-arm weapons to be carried by specialist police during New Year's Eve events in Sydney to provide a sense of security to crowds, not because of an increased threat risk.
Across the Sydney metropolitan area, more than 38 arrests were made, including more than nine in the Sydney CBD and foreshore areas for various offences, including assaults, affray, assault police and offensive conduct.
Operation New Year's Eve Commander and Central Metropolitan Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna, said the majority of people were well-behaved, followed the directions of authorities and enjoyed the night.
"Sydney welcomed in 2026 with iconic fireworks and we saw people come together after a heartbreaking month. Most revellers enjoyed a safe and trouble-free night," Assistant Commissioner McKenna said.
"Unfortunately, police were kept busy by a handful of people doing the wrong thing, particularly a number of illegal fireworks being set off, resulting in several injuries.
"The top priority of our operation was the safety of the community and thousands of officers were out in force to ensure people enjoyed their nights and got home without incident."
Incidents of note:
About 6.30pm yesterday (Wednesday 31 December 2025), officers from Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command were called to Dover Road, Dover Heights, following reports a man was carrying a weapon. Police arrested a 19-year-old man in Caffyn Park, Dover Heights, sitting with a shisha pipe that allegedly resembled a replica firearm. He was taken to Surry Hills Police Station where he was charged with behave in offensive manner in/near public place/school. He was granted conditional bail to appear at Waverley Local Court on Friday 30 January 2026.
About 7pm yesterday (Wednesday 31 December 2025), officers from Inner West Police Area Command were called to a bridge on Parramatta Road, Camperdown, following reports of an unauthorised public assembly. Under the Public Assembly Restriction Declaration currently in place, ten people were issued with move on directions, which they complied with.
About 9.30pm yesterday (Wednesday 31 December 2025), emergency services were called to Bright Park, Guildford, following reports a large crowd were setting off fireworks. A 12-year-old girl and a 14-year-old girl were treated for non-life-threatening injuries before they were taken to The Children's Hospital at Westmead and another man was treated by paramedics at the scene. Investigations continue into four people who were arrested for allegedly throwing fireworks. This offence can carry a $7500 fine.
