PolAir Disperses Crowd at Merewether House Party, Streets Lined With Rubbish

29 September 2024

Updated 3:08pm – The Police Helicoper was called to assist dispersing a large crowd gathered at a house party in Merewether overnight.

Just after 10 pm, Newcastle police responded to a noise complaint and arrived to find hundreds of people spilling onto the street. The situation prompted the deployment of PolAir and foot patrols to manage the crowd.

During the operation, an 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl were arrested for failing to comply with police orders and using offensive language. A second 18-year-old man was arrested for breach of the peace but was released shortly after.

The helicopter was observed hovering low over Merewether and surrounding suburbs for over 30 minutes, its powerful spotlight illuminating the streets below. According to aircraft tracking data, PolAir extended its operations to several areas across Newcastle and was observed as far West as Cessnock last night.

The following morning, the aftermath of the party was evident. Streets branching off Hillcrest Road were littered with discarded alcohol bottles, cans, pizza boxes, and other debris. Residents now face the task of cleaning up the mess left behind.

Local social media platforms were flooded with comments from concerned residents. Many expressed confusion and frustration over the helicopter’s presence on both Friday and Saturday nights.

“The noise from the helicopter was intense,” one resident said. “It was flying so low, it felt like it was right above our house. It’s hard to sleep with that kind of disturbance.”

Some residents reported the helicopter’s activity in other suburbs, including Newcastle East, Waratah, and even Caves Beach. This broad scope led to speculation about multiple incidents requiring police attention over the weekend.

A Newy 87.8 reporter witnessed the helicopter in what appeared to be a holding pattern over Newcastle, periodically flying away and returning until called to the next job. A NSW Police spokesperson stated that PolAir was conducting routine operations around Newcastle.

By approximately 12:15 am, Merewether streets had quieted down, and the helicopter departed the immediate vicinity.

Community Reaction

The unusual deployment of PolAir has sparked a debate among residents about the use of police resources. Some believe the response was disproportionate to the situation.

“It’s a waste of taxpayers’ money,” a resident commented. “Deploying a helicopter for a party seems over the top.”

Others, however, appreciated the police presence. “I’m glad they stepped in,” another local said. “Large gatherings can get out of hand quickly, and it’s better to prevent any serious incidents.”