Hamilton Police cracking down on alcohol related violence following busy weekend

Hamilton Police are taking a zero tolerance approach to alcohol related violence, be it in the home or on the streets after several incidents in the City over the weekend.

In the worst incident officers were pelted with bottles and had to deploy dogs and use skirmish lines to break up a gathering of over 200 youths at an out of control party in Dinsdale.

Hamilton City Area Commander, Inspector Rob Lindsay, said Police had already been called to the Glamis Ave address about 10.15pm and warned the home owners that unless they got things under control the party would be shut down.

"A short time later Police were called back to the address and on arrival officers were pelted with dozens of bottles and retired to await reinforcements.

"With the arrival of extra staff and Police dogs a skirmish line was formed to disperse the crowd which comprised of mostly intoxicated 14 to16-year-old youths."

Two boys, a 14-year-old and 15-year-old identified as ringleaders of the violence were arrested and face charges of assault with a weapon and riotous behaviour but Mr Lindsay said questions had to be asked of their parents and those of others involved.

Police drove the mob towards a nearby reserve where they dispersed in various directions, a large part of the problem faced by officers was the use of mass texting earlier in the evening attracting more and more young people to the event.

Dozens of complaints were received at the Northern Communications Centre from people reporting suspicious activity as youths fled through properties to escape.

"Staff that attended the disturbance said the property owners had tried to maintain control of the event but it quickly got beyond their control.

"We recommend people intending to hold events over the summer approach local Police or the Hamilton City Council where advice can be obtained on managing such events because what occurred is simply unacceptable."

Officers also attended dozens of domestic violence incidents in the City over the weekend with 17 on Sunday alone.

"Several of these were alcohol related as well and the residents of Hamilton need to take notice to ensure our City doesn't become known for all the wrong reasons," said Mr Lindsay.

"The misuse and abuse of alcohol within Hamilton is a challenge not just for us but for community and partner agencies as well and the Police will certainly be taking steps to address the issue of alcohol related violence on the streets, in the home and on our roads."