Sixteen are arrested for brawling and drugs on Melbourne's St Kilda beach just a day after police brought in a summer booze ban
- Authorities arrest 16 people in St Kilda overngith after alcohol ban was imposed
- Summer booze ban in public places imposed by Victoria Police to curve crime
- Those arrested face charges ranging from assault to drug possession
- Police will also conduct weapons searches throughout the area
Sixteen people were arrested on the same beach in one night just a day after a summer alcohol ban was introduced.
Victorian Police swarmed Melbourne's St Kilda beach on Thursday night as part of Operation Sandsafe.
Footage shared by 9 News shows scores of people being arrested for offences ranging from assaulting police, criminal damage and drug possession.
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Sixteen people were arrested on the same beach in one night just a day after a summer alcohol ban was introduced
Weapon searches were also carried out on the foreshore area as part of the annual summer operation.
Police conducted 123 searches at the St Kilda tram stop outside Luna Park and arrested one man for attempted robbery, and another person was charged for being in the alleged possession of a knife.
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The arrests came a day after Port Phillip Council voted to ban alcohol and glassware over summer on the St Kilda foreshore and follows a youth brawl on Saturday night.
The consumption of alcohol is banned in public places across Port Phillip, including the foreshore, from 8pm until 9am.
Superintendent Philip Green said Port Phillip's beaches, cafes and restaurants attracted thousands of visitors a day during summer and police wanted to ensure everyone could enjoy the public areas safely and responsibly.
'As always police encourage people to come out, enjoy themselves and be mindful of their personal safety, particularly in and around the water,' he said.
'But we know that when police are forced to intervene to stop criminal, disruptive or antisocial behaviour, this is because an individual or a group of individuals have started to show unwanted, unwelcome and unlawful behaviour and the community feel concerned.'
Superintendent Green said the level of offences in the area fall along a wide spectrum and that police were not looking to target any specific type of person or group.
Police conducted 123 searches and made sixteen arrests with charges ranging from assaulting police, criminal damage and drug possession
'It might be a beach-goer past the point of one too many drinks, whose raucous behaviour makes nearby families uncomfortable,' he said.
'Or a violent brawl which pulls first responders and hospital workers into action and leaves families and friends devastated by the life-long consequences of a punch thrown in anger.'
'These are scenes we see all too often and it's not good enough. Residents and visitors have the right to feel and be safe in the area.'
Superintendent Green said anyone who chose to carry weapons of any kind would be found out by police and suffer the consequences.
'If you chose to have weapons or be unruly, confrontational or cause people to be alarmed, police will identify you, intervene and take action,' he said.
'Police will be working hard to keep you safe but it must not be forgotten that everyone has a responsibility to ensure a safe and enjoyable summer for all.'
Victorian Police swarmed Melbourne's St Kilda beach on Thursday night as part of Operation Sandsafe
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