South Australia Police (SAPOL) is pleased with the behaviour of crowds across the State who celebrated the close of 2024. Key locations included the CBD, Glenelg, Semaphore, Brighton, and various coastal areas.
A number of New Year's Eve events were held across the state, with thousands of people choosing to come to the city to celebrate the incoming New Year at Elder Park. Over 40,000 people attended Adelaide Oval to watch the Big Bash Cricket, while a large number of people congregated throughout the CBD to celebrate.
Before the New Year's celebrations commenced, police advised they would not tolerate anti-social and disorderly behaviour, and a highly visible police presence was deployed in traditionally popular areas throughout the State.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Yvette Clark said, "It was clear that many people took the opportunity to get out and connect with loved ones and friends, while others chose to close the year out with family."
"Most people were keen to enjoy the night and do the right thing, with only a few making poor choices," she added.
"I'm conscious of the personal sacrifice that our people make to ensure our community is safe at this time of year, and I am grateful to those police officers and emergency services workers who worked tirelessly throughout the night across the state."
There were 72 arrests, 11 people reported, and 119 expiation notices issued for offences including possession of drugs, possessing or consuming alcohol in a dry zone, and behavioural offences. This is a slight increase from last year, which saw 65 arrests, 4 people reported, and 4 expiation notices issued for behavioural offences.
Over 3000 drug and alcohol tests were conducted, with 26 positive results for alcohol and 6 positive drug tests. These numbers are lower in comparison to last year, which saw 29 people caught drink driving and 8 people testing positive for drugs.
Three high range drink drivers were caught, one just before 1am police were called to Chesterfield Walk, Hillbank, after reports a man in a vehicle was revving the engine and appeared intoxicated.
When police arrived they spoke to the driver, a 28-year-old Hillbank man, he was breath tested, allegedly returning a positive reading of 0.173.
The second drink driver was caught about 2.15am. Police stopped a Mitsubishi travelling on Commercial Road, Port Adelaide, to breath tested the driver. The 20-year-old Ovingham woman allegedly returned a positive reading of 0.196.
Finally, the highest reading was about 4.45am, police stopped a car on War Memorial Drive, North Adelaide to breath test the driver, the 20-year-old Pennington man allegedly returned a positive reading of 0.230!
They were all reported for drink driving, lost their licences on the sport for 12 months and their cars were impounded for 28 days. They will be summonsed to appear in court at a later date.
Other significant incidents included a small bush fire at Highbury believed to have been sparked by illegal fireworks, thankfully the fire was quickly brought under control by CFS crews, police are investigating.
And a man in Robe received non-life-threatening injuries after an illegal firework he was lighting went off in his face. He was conveyed to Hospital for treatment.
