Qld:Police crackdown on New Year's Eve misbehaviour

AAP General News (Australia)
12-30-2005
Qld:Police crackdown on New Year's Eve misbehaviour

By Rosemary Desmond

BRISBANE, Dec 30 AAP - Queensland police are preparing to crack down on misbehaving
New Year's Eve revellers.

More than 300 police will be patrolling popular areas for Brisbane partygoers, such
as Southbank, Fortitude Valley and the CBD tomorrow night, Superintendent Tonya (Tonya)
Carew said.

"There's a lot of police working tomorrow night, right into the early hours and up
to midday on Sunday," Supt Carew told reporters today.

"We are asking people not to get too boisterous on the streets and if people play up
on the streets, if they have had too much to drink, they will find very easy access to
our watchhouse and we'll accommodate them very quickly."

He said revellers should stay in groups, keep away from darkened and isolated areas
where they may be vulnerable, use public transport or taxis and don't drink and drive.

Sniffer dogs may be brought into nightclubs if police suspect there may be drugs there,
Supt Carew said.

"The dogs will be out and about and if we have intel (intelligence) that suggests that
we need them, we'll use them.

"If people have drugs on them, be prepared to be picked up with them."

In Brisbane, extra bus, train and ferry services will run until the early hours of
New Year's Day.

On the Gold Coast, police were warning residents and visitors not to use illegal fireworks
as part of their celebrations.

Superintendent Brett Pointing said that many people did not realise fireworks were
a form of explosive and in Queensland only a licensed pyrotechnician could legally discharge
them.

Supt Pointing also warned people it was illegal in Queensland to consume alcohol in
a public place, including parks and beaches.

The RSPCA advised pet owners to take special precautions to keep their pets safe during
New Year's Eve celebrations, particularly during fireworks displays.

RSPCA spokesman Michael Beatty said the noise and light flashes created havoc each
year with animals often running onto roads.

"It's likely that scores of animals will end up at our shelters or council pounds,"

Mr Beatty said.

Pets should be kept inside the house or garage in an environment in which they felt at ease.

Horses should be securely stabled or moved to a location away from the fireworks.

AAP rad/lma/jlw

KEYWORD: EVE QLD

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