Police ring in a very happy new year

By Alison Noonan
CASEY police have praised the good behaviour of New Year’s Eve revellers who enjoyed one of the quietest nights of celebration on record.
Police in Narre Warren, Cranbourne and Endeavour Hills boasted a trouble free start to 2006 despite the warm weather.
Detective Senior Sergeant of Narre Warren CIU Ian Wilcox described celebrations as very low key, with no arrests or reports of crime.
Snr Sgt Wilcox said the scorching temperatures and lack of open licensed venues contributed to the mellow festivities.
He said night-time venues such as Blitz at Berwick Springs and Furnace at Westfield Fountain Gate had been closed on New Year’s Eve.
“There was no major crime and not a lot around to be honest.
“Because of the warm weather I suspect that many people headed for the coast,” he said.
Cranbourne police Senior Sergeant Bruce Kitchen said party-goers obviously heeded police warnings against drink driving and other anti-social behaviour.
“It was a very quiet night. There were no dramas,” he said.
“We are very happy that people behaved themselves and listened to police advice.
“We had an extra patrol vehicle on but there was nothing out of the ordinary.
“The heat didn’t seem to contribute to excess alcohol consumption and there were no significant arrests.”
Senior Sergeant Mike Jenkins of Endeavour Hills police agreed that New Year’s celebrations had been pleasantly subdued in the area.
“Things were very quiet, everyone was well behaved and there was nothing really happening to report,” he said.