Police pleased with Mardi Gras behaviour

Revellers were mostly well behaved during the 39th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade and after parties, police say.

39th annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade

Revellers were mostly well behaved during the 39th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade. (AAP)

Police say they are pleased with overall crowd behaviour following this year's Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade.

More than 1000 police were on patrol across the parade route and surrounding areas on Saturday night and Sunday morning.

More than 12,000 parade participants and 185 floats made their way along Liverpool, Oxford and Flinders Streets in the 39th Mardi Gras parade, with rain not dampening the enthusiasm of those attending.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Tony Crandell, the policing operation's commander, said in a statement police had worked closely with event organisers to ensure a safe and successful night for everyone involved.

"I'm pleased to report this was achieved with few exceptions," he said.

"While there were a minority who refused to heed police advice, they were quickly identified and dealt with accordingly."

Police arrested a small number of people for offences including assault, malicious damage, drug possession and refusing to comply with police directions.

More than 50 searches of people were conducted with the assistance of the dog squad at the parade's after party, leading to 15 arrests for alleged drug possession and three people being charged for supplying illicit drugs.

Ambulance paramedics took about 30 people to hospital, with alcohol and drugs playing a significant role in a number of cases, police said.


Share
2 min read

Published

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world
Police pleased with Mardi Gras behaviour | SBS News