Public Disorder Will Not Be Tolerated

North Shore Police say as the summer and festive season approaches public disorder incidents such as that which took place at suburban Castor Bay on Saturday night will not be tolerated.

Police say that about 10.00pm on Saturday 13 November 2010 they went to Castor Bay where a large group of youths were drinking and refusing to leave the area. Team Policing Units and frontline staff including Eagle were deployed, after several calls from the Community were received. The area of Castor Bay is subject to a liquor ban.

When police arrived at the Esplanade, they moved quickly to disburse the drunken youths and road Blocks were put in place to ensure safety. About 130 youths were split up and directed up Castor Bay Road and along Beach Road. Eagle assisted by lighting up the incident area. Some of the smaller groups began throwing missiles at Police. Two officers were struck, however they were not injured due to wearing their protective equipment.

Some real estate signs were damaged in Seaview Road Milford in the incident. One youth was seen jumping on a vehicle. He was identified and later arrested by Police.

North Shore Police Commander [Acting] Inspector Steve Kehoe says everyone has the right to use public spaces, but police ask that this use be in keeping with the nature and atmosphere of that space.

“Social networking websites appear to be a common medium used to coordinate gatherings of this nature and Police will continue to monitor these sites, in addition to receiving notice and support from members of the community who use this medium. I advise anyone who is planning festive celebrations to contact Police so their event can be registered and monitored.”

“Police will not tolerate the kind of behavior and public disorder seen on Saturday night,” Inspector Kehoe said.