Police keep close eye on Schoolies

The first weekend of Schoolies has passed without a major incident, according to local police.

Acting Senior Sergeant Craig Van Breugel said behaviour across the weekend was fairly good, and he rejected claims of a “wild brawl” on the Cowes foreshore on Saturday.

“There was one incident on Saturday at the Cowes Pier,” he confirmed.

“A large group of youths had gathered and there was an altercation between a couple of them and the police intervened.”
Acting Snr Sergeant Van Breugel said police went to the pier, responding to reports there was a large crowd in the area who were drinking.

“It certainly wasn’t a big brawl, but it was a big crowd,” he said.

“I believe a fight broke out between two people and a 25-year-old male from Cowes was arrested for being drunk in a public place.”

Police remained in the area for several hours to monitor the crowd’s behaviour.

Noisy parties

Police responded to a number of complaints about noisy parties over the weekend.

“There were three noise complaints across the night, of people being loud and playing loud music,” Acting Snr Sergeant Van Breugel said.

He confirmed there would be additional police in the area for the whole of the Schoolies period.

There was also a visible police presence on local roads.

Over the weekend, highway patrols were targeting speeding, drink and drug driving, people not wearing seatbelts and driver distraction, which includes mobile phone use, and fatigue, as part of the state-wide Operation Compass.

Increased police presence for Schoolies

Across the state, Victoria Police has said it will have a highly visible presence across coastal areas as school leavers flock to these popular locations to celebrate their final year of schooling.

Schoolies is already underway in Victoria and runs until December 10.

Police have advised that as they do every year, they will be focusing on ensuring a safe environment for everyone, including school leavers, local residents and the broader community.

In a media statement, police said while most school leavers do the right thing and celebrate safely, they will focus on incidents of underage drinking, as well as anti-social and drunken behaviour around licensed venues and accommodation.

The current restrictions in place around COVID-19 will also be enforced, particularly in relation to public and private gathering sizes.

Police confirmed there will be increased patrols across Phillip Island and they will not tolerate any behaviour that negatively impacts the community.

There will also be a visible presence on the roads, with police targeting speeding, drink and drug driving, people not wearing seatbelts and driver distraction, which includes mobile phone use, and fatigue.

Assistant Commissioner Russell Barrett said: “We know that 2020 has been a very difficult year for everyone – none more so than our Year 12 students who have sadly missed out on a lot of milestone moments in their final year of schooling.

“We understand many school leavers will be looking forward to celebrating the end of this huge year with their friends, however these celebrations must be held in a safe and responsible way that also adheres to the Chief Health Officer’s directions.

“Police will continue to work closely with partner agencies, local councils and school leavers to make sure everyone has an enjoyable and safe time.”