Street fights on Cup Day

By Melissa Meehan
STREET wars in the main streets of Healesville and Yarra Glen have once again marred Cup Day celebrations in the townships.
Healesville police said they were disappointed with the level of behaviour around the main street of the town.
Sergeant Tony Van Gorp said that a number of drunken male and females had taken part in “drunken brawling” in the streets.
“Police were called to a number of possible incidents involving fighting,” Sgt Van Gorp said. “But no arrests were made in Healesville because once we arrived they had the sense to leave and go home before we took action.”
This is the latest chapter in a string of anti-social incidents in the town which police say they will focus on in the coming months.
Yarra Glen Police Sergeant Yvonne Strawhorn said police were happy with the overall behaviour of the crowd at the Yarra Glen Racecourse.
“There were over 9000 people at the Yarra Glen Cup, which was up on the numbers of the previous year,” Sgt Strawhorn said.
“Speaking to security at the event they evicted about 80 people for various alcohol and behavioural issues, and police arrested six people for being drunk.”
She said that police sent four underage drinkers home and although there were several scuffles between patrons, there were no serious assaults.
Separate to anti-social behaviour, Sgt Strawhorn said that police became aware of several counterfeit notes that had been passed throughout the day.
“They are now in the hands of police and are being investigated,” Sgt Strawhorn said.
“We are asking patrons who attended the race meeting to check their $50 notes and to contact police on 9730 1296 or Crime Stoppers.”