NSW Police are generally pleased with the behaviour of New Year's Eve 2020 revellers across the state.
Operation New Year's Eve 2020 commenced yesterday (Thursday 31 December 2020), to ensure the safety of revellers at events or gatherings across NSW.
General duties officers from Police Area Commands and Police Districts across the state were assisted by specialist units including Public Order and Riot Squad, Police Transport Command, Operations Support Group, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Licensing Police, the Dog and Mounted Unit, Marine Area Command and PolAir, throughout the operation.
The majority of people were well-behaved and enjoyed celebrations safely, with a few exceptions.
Police issued seven $1000 Penalty Infringement Notices to individual's and five $5000 Penalty Infringement Notices to businesses.
Across NSW, 219 arrests were made, and 290 charges laid for various offences. Over 1400 licenced premises were patrolled.
Operation New Year's Eve 2020 Commander, Assistant Commissioner Mick Willing, said most Sydneysiders were well-behaved and heeded advice to stay home.
"We saw sparse crowds in the city, with only 5000 New Year's Eve passes scanned to enter the Green Zone," Assistant Commissioner Willing said.
"That was mirrored on the harbour, with only 20% vessel patronage compared to what we have seen in previous years".
"It was still disappointing to see some people being reckless and disregarding the rules, with police in the suburbs kept busy dispersing congregations, giving move-on directions and seizing illicit fireworks on multiple occasions.
"I would like to thank those members of the community who made their plans COVID-safe and celebrated the beginning of 2021 responsibly, in what we hope is a better year for everyone."
