Local police say they were pleased overall with the behaviour of those who attended Schoolies celebrations in Byron Bay over the past few weeks.
Detective Inspector Matt Kehoe told Echonetdaily that police held Operation Kimberley 2018 from Friday November 16 to Monday December 3 and utilised staff from the Tweed/Byron and Richmond PDs, Public Order & Riot Squad (PORS), Operational Support Group (OSG), Licensing Police, Traffic & Highway Patrol and the Mounties.
He said, ‘A total of 243 incidents were recorded over the 18 day operation.’
‘Although no major incidents were reported, Police did commence 32 legal processes numerous offences including drug possession, possession of prohibited weapon/article, assault police, malicious damage, PCA and licensing offences. The general behaviour of those attending Schoolies festivities was one of respect and consideration. All the young persons I spoke with during the operation showed great maturity and decency.
Police vehicle damaged
Detective Inspector Kehoe added that a disappointing point of the operation was serious damage to a Byron Bay Police vehicle ‘by some young Byron Bay kids’.
‘The damage to the vehicle is almost $6,000 and will leave the community without a Police vehicles for several days while the damage is repaired. A numbers of young persons have identified in occasioning this damage with matters referred to Byron Bay Local Court and Youth Conference. A large number of vehicle in the Byron Bay area were also damaged on Sunday 02/12/18 with enquires continuing on both matters.
‘The support provided by the Schoolies Response Unit, YWAC and the Fred Frogs was outstanding.’
