Far from being the no-go zone the local tabloids would have us believe, New Year’s Eve at Byron Bay was a relatively orderly affair, according to police.
Crime and public order incidents across the command were down compared to this time last year with the majority of revellers being well behaved.
During the night police conducted more than 420 random breath tests resulting in the arrest of just three people for drink-driving. Five infringement notices were issued for speeding offences while 21 infringements were issue for other traffic offences.
The Tweed/Byron Local Area Command praised the general behaviour of New Year’s Eve revellers although some events did raise cause for concern.
Officers detected a large number of people bringing alcohol into designated alcohol-free zones resulting in the booze being poured out or confiscated.
Some serious crimes including an assault, a robbery, a malicious wounding and a sexual assault were reported to police, mostly at the Belongil Fields campground.
Police believe alcohol was a major factor in these crimes and are now investigating the incidents.
