Bendigo police have praised Bendigo party-goers as the city rang in the new year overnight.
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Sergeant Shane Pilgrim said police arrested just one man for being drunk overnight.
“He was arrested for being drunk in a public place and was released into the care of Ambulance Victoria,” Sergeant Pilgrim said. “A penalty notice will be issued to him.”
“Overall the behaviour was good and we are pleased about that.
“I did the same shift last year and it is a good family night in Bendigo with good behavour.”
Sergeant Pilgrim said education into drinking responsibly and avoiding anti-social behaviour went a long way.
“A lot of education goes into nights light that,” he said. “Even at the licensed premises everyone was well behaved.”
Across the state police were also pleased with New Year’s Eve behaviour.
Deputy Commissioner Andrew Crisp said he was pleased to see people enjoying the festivities responsibly and respectfully.
“The extensive preparations Victoria Police put in place for New Year’s Eve ensured those who came into the Melbourne CBD and visited our coasts could celebrate safely,” DC Crisp said.
“Uniform and plain clothes police were deployed to cities, towns and coastlines last night to monitor public order and crowd behaviour.
“Like every year, we want everyone to enjoy themselves but our police were out and about to target those who engage in antisocial behaviour, violence and drink and drug driving.
“There were a small number of people who did the wrong thing but they were dealt with by police so they didn’t spoil it for others.”
As part of the New Year’s Eve operation across the state, police made 238 arrests.
Ninety nine of the arrests were for being drunk, 23 were reported assaults, 7 were behavioural offences, 22 were arrested for drug related offences and there were three theft related offences.
On New Year’s Eve in 2016, police arrested 183 people including 110 for being drunk.
Police also reported three separate incidents involving illegal fireworks – one in St Leonards, one in Melton and one in Caroline Springs.
Sergeant Pilgrim said there were no reports of illegal fireworks in the Bendigo area.