Hunter police warn against 'yobbo' behaviour
Newcastle's top police officer says his officers will not tolerate the 'yobbo element' during this year's Australia Day activities.
Extra police are rostered on for today.
Newcastle Local Area Police Commander John Gralton is urging revellers to behave.
"Being patriotic there is no problem with that at all in my mind," he said.
"But the yobbo element or the yobbo behaviour, drinking too much and then causing issues for other people enjoying their day is a problem.
"Those people will take home consequences if they do misbehave."
Superintendent Gralton says his officers will be out in force to ensure Australia Day activities do not get out of hand.
"We haven't had many problems in the last couple of years on Australia Day and we're not really anticipating any major problems this year.
"You know we encourage people to come in and enjoy our beautiful city and behave themselves and everything will be fine."
Police will also be out in force on the Hunter's roads for today's festivities.
So far more than 180 motorists have been caught speeding in the Hunter this long weekend, with 27 detected not wearing seat belts.
More than 6,000 random breath tests have been carried out, with preliminary data showing more than 20 positive readings.
Northern Region Traffic Tactician Chief Inspector Trent Le Merton says if people plan to drink today they should leave their car at home.
"There are of course sanctioned events which are taking place which will have a big police presence," he said.
"However people often have celebrations at home and in doing so often find it difficult to keep track of what they have consumed.
"If you are planning on having festivities make sure that you have a plan B."
Chief Inspector Le Merton says officers will also be targeting speeding on local roads.
He says one of the most concerning incidents so far this long weekend involved a P-plate driver on Saturday.
"A 20 year old P plate driver from Corlette was detected doing 103 in the 50 kilometre zone on Salamander Way at Salamander Bay.
"He was issued with an infringement notice for exceed speed by more than 45 kilometres per hour.
"His licence was suspended and the number plates were seized from the vehicle."