TASMANIA Police won’t tolerate anti-social behaviour on Australia Day with extra officers allocated to known trouble spots.
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A Road and Public Order Safety unit from Launceston will be dispatched to Bridport on Monday following an unruly Australia Day in 2014.
Last year the violence saw two people charged with wounding while a Launceston teenager was hospitalised after being hit from behind with a heavy object and left unconscious in the gutter.
Acting Inspector Justin Bidgood, of the North-East division, said police wanted people to enjoy themselves responsibly.
‘‘We’ll be monitoring consumption of alcohol as well as responsible service of alcohol,’’ he said.
‘‘We want people to enjoy themselves but if they impact on other people’s enjoyment we’ll deal with that.‘‘’
Dorset Mayor Barry Jarvis said last year’s behaviour was unacceptable and hopefully wouldn’t be repeated.
‘‘There were groups of 15 to 16-year-olds walking around, they were full of alcohol by mid-afternoon. That certainly won’t be tolerated,’’ he said.
‘‘There’s 2000 people trying to enjoy themselves, you don’t want it spoiled by a few yobbos.’’
Cr Jarvis said groups of young people wandering around Bridport drinking alcohol would feel the ‘‘full force of the the law’’.
It was also the responsibility of parents to ensure their children weren’t drinking under age.
Acting Inspector Bidgood said police would also focus on road safety as well as public order.
Extra police will also be sent to the St Helens regatta this Saturday.