South Australia Police (SAPOL) is generally pleased with the behaviour of crowds across the State who celebrated the close of 2023. Key locations across the state included the CBD, Glenelg, Semaphore, Brighton and coastal areas.
A number of NYE events were held across the state, with thousands of people choosing to come to the city to celebrate the incoming New Year. 42,504 people attended Adelaide Oval to watch the Big Bash Cricket, whilst 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 would be utilised in the traditionally popular areas.
Acting Assistant Commissioner, Governance and Capability Service, Robert Papworth
“It was clear that many people took the opportunity to get out and connect with loved ones and friends, whilst other chose to close the year out with family”
“Most people were keen to enjoy the night and to do the right thing, with only a few people making poor choices”
“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 65 arrests,4 people reported and 4 expiation notices issued for offences including possession of drugs, possessing or consuming alcohol in a dry zone and behavioural offences. This is a reduction from last year which saw 67 arrests, 9 people reported and 28 expiation notices issued for behavioural offences.
Over 4700 drug and alcohol tests were conducted with 29 positive results to alcohol and 8 positive drug tests. These numbers are lower in comparison to last year which saw 35 people caught drink driving and 11 people testing positive to drugs. SAPOL continue to urge people to be responsible on the roads given that lives were lost on SA roads in 2023.
Other significant incidents of note were two men caught drink-driving in separate incidents, but recording the same breath test reading of 0.243. The two men, a 57-year-old man caught at Wistow and a 52-year-old man caught at O’Halloran Hill were issued 12-month immediate loss of licence notices.
