Police issue warning following poor weekend behaviour

ACT Policing is urging the Canberra community to consider their behaviour following multiple recent incidents in the City entertainment precinct.      

Territory Targeting Team and other police resources have been dispatched the past two Sunday mornings (16 July and 23 July) as police dealt with serious incidents involving intoxicated people in short periods of time.  

Sergeant Max Mokrij from the Territory Targeting Team said police have zero tolerance for alcohol fueled violence and antisocial behaviour, and will continue to proactively target entertainment precincts.    

“These matters are just a snapshot of the many serious incidents police have responded to across a very busy couple of Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings,” Sergeant Mokrij said.    

“Our resources have been stretched, requiring additional officers from across the ACT in order to respond to multiple incidents.    

“A common factor is always excessive consumption of alcohol and/or the use of illicit substances.    

“We are urging the community to be mindful of their behaviour on a night out. Know your limits when it comes to drinking alcohol, look after your mates, and plan a safe way home.   

“I would also like to remind licencees of their responsibilities around capacity limits, underage patrons, and the responsible service of alcohol.    

“Police will continue to conduct proactive checks on any licenced venues that serve alcohol to ensure they are complying with the relevant laws.”   

16 July incidents 

• About 1.30am, police attended a Lonsdale Street premises following reports of a fight inside the location. A 20-year-old man was arrested in relation to the fight, with police required to deploy a conducted energy weapon to effect the arrest.  

• While police were dealing with this man, they were called to respond to an alleged sexual assault in Bible Lane, Canberra City. Police established that a 16-year-old girl, who had been admitted to a Bunda Street nightclub using a fake ID, had allegedly been sexually assaulted by a man both in the nightclub and in Bible Lane. Investigations into the identity of the alleged offender remain ongoing.  

• While police were speaking to the girl, a group of aggressive men had to be dealt with nearby, with one man taken into custody.  

• About 4am, a 19-year-old woman was arrested for assaulting her 25-year-old partner in Garema Place, while about this time police also responded to reports of a one punch assault on the dancefloor of a nightclub on London Circuit.  

23 July incidents 

• About 1am, police on foot patrol outside a Bunda Street nightclub witnessed a fight between a 29-year-old man and 23-year-old woman, with the woman subsequently arrested for assault.  

• About 2.50am, police were called to a London Circuit nightclub following reports three men had assaulted multiple people on the club’s dancefloor. The three men were arrested for affray.  

• Police on patrol outside the same the venue witnessed a 23-year-old man headbutt another man in a seemingly unprovoked attack about 3.40am. The man was arrested and charged with assault, affray and resisting arrest.  

Anyone who witnesses violent or anti-social behaviour in our entertainment precincts should contact ACT Policing Operations on 131 444, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or on the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously. Please always call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.  

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