Thousands of police have worked around-the-clock overnight as part of the New Year's Eve operation to ensure Victorians could bring in the new year safely.
Hundreds of thousands of people enjoyed the fireworks display in Melbourne, with many more celebrating across our foreshores in St Kilda, Mornington Peninsula, Surf Coast and Phillip Island.
There was a strong police presence at all these major celebrations, with general duties officers supported by specialist police from the Public Order Response Team, Mounted Branch, Highway Patrol and Air Wing.
While there were a small number of incidents that occurred, police are overwhelmingly pleased with the behaviour of the majority of revellers.
Provisional data from the New Year's Eve operation across the state indicate:
• Police responded to 52 assault-related incidents.
• Police received 287 reports of fireworks-related incidents, several which resulted fires but fortunately there have been no reports of serious injuries.
• Twenty-three weapons were seized as a result of OMNI operations in Melbourne, St Kilda and Geelong
*Please note due to protected industrial action some statistics are unavailable
Operation OMNI activity saw 14 people arrested and 18 weapons seized from CBD train stations.
Police also seized five knives from a man in St Kilda who was also found to be in possession of a quantity of drugs.
Weapons seized included hunting knives, scissors, imitation firearms, swords and a machete.
Taking these weapons off the streets, particularly on a night like New Year's Eve is an important measure to prevent potential harm in the community.
It was disappointing to see a significant number of fireworks-related incidents across the state.
There were a number of grass fires caused as a result of illegal fireworks.
Police did seize a number of illegal fireworks throughout the night including two large plastic containers that were located at Safety Beach.
A man is expected to be interviewed in the coming days by police.
Police in St Kilda also found two plastic tubs full of fireworks after pulling over a vehicle that had been driving erratically on Morley Street about 8.20pm.
A 47-year-old Port Melbourne man has subsequently been charged with possess explosive substance, possess drug of dependence and possess prescription medication.
A teen was stabbed in Blairgowrie after being approached by a group of people on Point Nepean Road at about 5.45pm.
The victim was conveyed to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The group fled and two teens were very quickly identified and arrested by police.
There will continue to be a highly visible police presence across the state today, with a particular focus on foreshores as the warm weather continues.
Random drug and alcohol testing will be conducted across the state.
Anyone with information on any incidents overnight is urged to report them to police. Information can be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Assistant Commissioner Chris Gilbert:
"Right across the state, we saw the community come out to their local areas, beaches or the city to celebrate the new year.
"Thousands of police were working around-the-clock in the city, suburban and regional areas to ensure the safety of these celebrations and were overwhelmingly pleased with the behaviour of crowds.
"Every year we extensively prepare for New Year's Eve, and I would like to thank every police officer who assisted in the state-wide operation to ensure Victorians could enjoy the festivities safely.
"There were only a small number of people who did the wrong thing, but they were dealt with swiftly by police, so the atmosphere was in no way spoiled.
"For those driving home today - remember we will be setting up random drug and alcohol testing sites across the state so if you think you're over - please do not take the risk as chances are you'll be caught."
