Media Release Archive
Don’t gamble with your life on Melbourne Cup day
Monday, 02 Nov 2009 12:32pmNSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione has appealed for restraint and clear thinking as Sydney prepares to celebrate the Melbourne Cup tomorrow.
The Commissioner has warned that the forecast hot weather, plus high spirits and alcohol will lead to levels of intoxication that will cause many people to regret their Melbourne Cup experience in 2009.
“By all means have a punt, but don’t gamble with your life tomorrow, the stakes are too high.”
“It’s a fun day with a special place in our nation’s culture. But I can guarantee you that good people will become victims of crime and the perpetrators of crime tomorrow because they are too drunk to understand what they are doing.
“I particularly appeal to young women to watch what they drink, take special care and plan their afternoon. At the weekend a number of young women were the victims of sexual assault and other crimes. Investigations show intoxication may have been a factor. No-one wants to find themselves in that terrible situation.”
The Commissioner said police will be out in force running a number of operations to ensure the Melbourne Cup activities run smoothly around the state but reinforced the messages that – ultimately – it is individual responsibility that will ensure everyone enjoys the day.
“We have said time and again “It’s About You” – that’s our message on personal responsibility,” Commissioner Scipione said.
“It’s about you as a driver – don’t get behind the wheel of a car and drive with alcohol in your system. A number of young people have died as a result of speed and alcohol in the past week. It’s a tragedy too terrible to bear.
“It’s about you as a partygoer making sure you plan your afternoon, don’t drink to excess and sort out how you are getting home without exposing yourself to undue risk.
“I ask everyone to look out for each other. If your friend is behaving badly, get in their ear and settle them down. They will thank you for it afterwards.
“We have had the tragedy of a young man from Ireland dying on our streets only last week. I am pleading with people to think about what they are doing,” the Commissioner said.
NSW Police will focus their attention on race meetings and licensed premises during Melbourne Cup festivities across the state.