Avid Victorian football fans are warned by police to behave themselves this weekend as officers go to the skies to catch someone illegally partying.
Victoria Police Department will have helicopters and drones operating across Melbourne on Saturday to catch anyone who gathers in groups for the AFL Grand Final.
The Victoria Police air wing and drone unit will keep an eye on the crowds in popular parks, beaches and other hotspots around Melbourne to ensure the football-mad city celebrates in a COVID-safe manner.
According to the Herald Sun, Special “enforcement commands” will also crowd Richmond and Geelong – the regions of the two big final teams – to ensure the backyard and home parties stay in check.
“We will have a strong, dedicated and high visibility presence from Geelong to Richmond, as well as other popular public places such as parks and gardens, to ensure it is a safe day for everyone,” said Deputy Commissioner Luke Cornelius.
“Anyone who intentionally or obviously violates the restrictions can face a fine.”
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And any Melburnian hoping to take their party to a local park or beach – due to the restrictions on visitors to people’s homes – is warned to do so without alcohol.
Melbourne City and Yarra City Council have a public alcohol ban and have promised to enforce it this weekend.
“Mandatory” areas where Melburnians can have a drink with up to 10 people include: Flagstaff Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens and Jolimont Reserve.
Melbourne’s “ring of steel” will also be pepped up on Saturday with officers from the public order response team and police stationed in the city.
Operation Sentinel, the Victoria Police’s coronavirus enforcement program, has conducted more than 510,000 samples of households and businesses since the pandemic began.
The police on this operation warned anyone throwing illegal home barbecues or parties that they risked a fine of $ 4,957.
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