Police praise South West punters for ringing in year safely

South West Police have praised the Bunbury community for celebrating the end of a challenging year without any serious altercations or casualties.

The region was bustling with people on Thursday, all eager to celebrate the festive season and send off the year that was.

South West District Police Supt Geoff Stewart said this New Year’s Eve was busier for police than those of previous years, but officers were well prepared for the surge in numbers.

“We put that down to the fact that, as we know, the South West is packed full of people because they can’t go anywhere else,” Supt Stewart said.

“I’d be concerned if it was just a busier period during a normal year, but we’ve got a lot more people down here because they can’t go overseas or interstate.”

Supt Stewart said police did not face any major disturbances or events.

He said overall, they were happy to make it through the night without facing any “pain, misery, death and destruction”.

We were busy heading to a lot of jobs, but that didn’t equate to any significant incidents, and none of those jobs got out of control.

Supt Stewart said revellers in general were well behaved, and he hoped the trend would continue as the year progressed.

He reminded the community to remain aware of the extent of the coronavirus pandemic.

Those attending local businesses and events must adhere to the relevant COVID-19 guidelines and plans in place.

“We’re still in a state of emergency and still dealing with the pandemic,” Supt Stewart said.

“It’s great we get to enjoy the lifestyle we do in Western Australia, but we don’t want to do anything at all to put that in jeopardy.

Everyone still needs to be vigilant and completely aware.

As summer holidays continue, Supt Stewart urged everyone to remember to take extra precautions on the road and prepare themselves for travelling.

“Please drive safely and take the time you need to arrive alive,” he said.