Nanaimo RCMP report that police were “relatively pleased" with the behaviour of revellers on New Year's Eve.
According to a press release, no incidents of violence or significant disturbances were reported the night of Dec. 31 and the majority of patrons departed downtown by 3 a.m. via taxi, ride services, designated drivers or on foot.
Incidents of fireworks were also down from previous years, said police. From 6 p.m. to midnight only 28 calls for service were received as compared to the usual 50 to 60.
“The weather may have played a factor, but one thing is certain is that the officers who were working were not complaining,” said reserve Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesperson.
Five drivers were handed immediate roadside driving prohibitions for operating their vehicles while impaired; one for drugs and four for alcohol consumption.
Impaired driving statistics for 2024 show a 32-per cent reduction in immediate roadside driving suspensions issued and a 63-per cent drop in impaired charges in Nanaimo from 2023.
