Riot squad called in to stop illegal firework display in Sydney as cops dish out $32,000 of fines to Covid rule-breakers – as cops probe wild AirBnB party
A riot squad was called in to stop an illegal firework display while police issued $32,000 in fines and made more than 200 arrests during a statewide crackdown on New Year's Eve.
A large crowd had gathered to watch the illegal display of fireworks at Villawood, in Sydney's west, though the revellers were quickly dispersed by riot squad and the celebration brought to a close.
Police arrested 219 people and laid 290 charges across New South Wales during the remainder of the night.
The riot squad were called in to stop an illegal firework display while police issued $32,000 in fines and made more than 200 arrests during a massive crackdown on New Years Eve (pictured, police patrol near the Harbour Bridge during the official display)
Assistant Commissioner Mick Willing said Sydneysiders were well behaved overall (pictured, party goers in Sydney on New Year's Eve)
Of the 1,400 licensed premises that were patrolled, five were issued with $5,000 penalty infringement notices.
Seven people were also handed $1,000 penalty infringement notices.
A large party at an AirBnB in the Hills District, in greater western Sydney, was also shut down.
Police are continuing to investigate the party and could issue as many as 30 infringements.
Assistant Commissioner Mick Willing said Sydneysiders were well behaved overall.
'We saw sparse crowds in the city, with only 5,000 New Year's Eve passes scanned to enter the Green Zone,' he said.
'That was mirrored on the harbour, with only 20 per cent vessel patronage compared to what we have seen in previous years.'
Commissioner Willing praised police for successfully cracking down on rule breakers over the course of the night.
'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.'
Commissioner Willing praised police for successfully cracking down on rule breakers over the course of the night
SYDNEY'S NEW YEAR'S EVE RESTRICTIONS
Greater Sydney including Wollongong, Central Coast and the Blue Mountains:
Northern Beaches (Southern Zone):
Northern Beaches (Northern Zone):