Security stepped up for New Year countdown at Marina Bay

**violette** · 31-12-2006, 12:39 AM

Quote:

SINGAPORE: New Year countdown celebrations are not just a time to party.

They are also a thieves' wonderland, with wallets and handbags ripe for picking.

Last year, countdown parties became a nightmare for some female revellers who were molested after being sprayed with aerosol foam.

This year, with an expected turnout of more than 160,000, the Marina Bay Singapore New Year's Eve Countdown 06/07 will be the biggest party in town.

So police are not taking chances.

350 police officers and security personnel will be deployed to the area.

CCTV cameras have been set up at strategic points and random security checks will be carried out on bags and personal items at the Marina Bay vicinity.

The public is advised to comply with these checks and to report any suspicious items or behaviour.

Police are also working to avoid a repeat of last year's molest cases, by curbing the illegal hawking of foam sprays.

The incidents spoilt the mood for at least one person.

"One of my friends got sprayed by an aerosol in her eyes, and she got molested at one of these countdown parties. That's why I celebrate at home," said a woman.

Most surveyed, however, did not appear too worried.

"I'll be with my friends, so I guess I feel safer," said a girl.

"Singapore is very safe. I'm quite confident of the security in Singapore," said a man.

"When I go out, I usually take less valuables, just a couple of (credit) cards," said a woman.

Motorists are advised to avoid the roads affected by the countdown parties as well as Orchard Road, which is likely to experience heavy traffic.

There will be left-lane closure on Raffles Avenue after Oriental Hotel heading towards Esplanade Drive.

Esplanade Drive will also be closed for the celebrations from 8pm on 31 December to 1.30am the following morning.

Those heading east on Nicoll Highway should use the ECP entrance at Maxwell Road.

Motorists going westwards from Nicoll Highway should use Raffles Boulevard onto Republic Boulevard before getting into the AYE. - CNA/ir

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stori...249928/1/.html

**xiiaospy** · 31-12-2006, 02:28 AM

wasia, i tmr going esplanade there sia.
aiya, pray hard that tmr im fine and gones for my friends with me.

nothing lost but gain happiness. =))

**RACHEL:))** · 31-12-2006, 03:48 AM

wah security so tight.
actually there's pros and cons la
bad is that we cannot enjoy freely..
good is things wont get stolen tt easily lo

**xiiaospy** · 31-12-2006, 05:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RACHEL:))

wah security so tight.
actually there's pros and cons la
bad is that we cannot enjoy freely..
good is things wont get stolen tt easily lo

hmms, how come cant enjoy freely leii ?
lols, 18 more hours frm now to countdown07 !!
cool ~ where you going later ?

**burtonho1990** · 31-12-2006, 11:04 AM

lol no body is going there to spoil the fun >.< including me

**vgohyk** · 31-12-2006, 10:35 PM

there's so many pple there.
with tight security there r still bound to be crimes one lur.
best is stay hm.
safe n sound! lol

**MamaRos** · 31-12-2006, 11:37 PM

I juz saw on tv...the crowd in Marina Bay there mostly all the foreign workers...they cannot afford pubs so join in the celebration for free lor...:handsup:

**yazoo** · 05-01-2007, 05:17 AM

Hahaaaa.... i remembered seeing on the news where the camera zoom in on a group of foreign workers (possibily bangalahs...?) behaving very rowdy... and shots of our home team officers warning some foreign workers (possibily bangalahs again...?) on foam spray...

guess tats the reason why i had not gone to any streets party for the past 4 years or so....