Semi-trailers and concrete bollards have been used to block streets surrounding Sydney’s Pitt Street Mall, as thousands of shoppers swarmed the city for Boxing Day.
The trucks were used as a protective measure to block vehicle access from streets surrounding Pitt Street Mall and the Queen Victoria Building.
George, Market and Elizabeth Streets were all affected by the security measures.
A New South Wales Police spokeswoman told SBS News that the traffic management and security measures were put in place “in light of the large number of people expected at Boxing Day sales”.
“While there is no specific threat, NSW Police continue to urge the public to be vigilant and report anything that doesn't look right,” she said.
Police say the terrorism threat leave in Australia remains at “probable”. Source: AAP
Police say the terrorism threat level in Australia remains at “probable”.
Road closures were used during last year’s Boxing Day sales also.
The use of semi-trailers comes only days after a car was driven into pedestrians in Melbourne’s Flinders Street – during the busy Christmas shopping period.
More policing at Melbourne events in Flinders Street aftermath
There will be a heightened police presence at the Boxing Day Test and other events after a car mowed down pedestrians in Melbourne's city centre last week.
Cricket fans heading to the Test can expect a "highly visible" police presence at the MCG and around the city, as well as at other events, Assistant Commissioner Stephen Leane said.
"It's a massive operation that's well planned and we're ready for it," Mr Leane said.
"We`ll see police at railway stations, tram stops, locally wherever you are but most importantly as you approach the ground, there'll be police and security on approach."
Boosted police numbers will also be at popular spots such as Federation Square and Melbourne Central, as well as at transport hubs.
Mr Leane urged people to allow extra time for security measures including bag searches.
NSW shoppers expected to spend big during Boxing Day sales
Thousands of Australians have flocked to shopping malls to grab Boxing Day bargains with thousands taking advantage of online shopping as well.
NSW shoppers are expected to spend most at the post-Christmas sales. It's predicted they'll splurge $766 million, just a little more than Victorian bargain-hunters.
Dozens of shoppers camped out in Sydney's CBD overnight ahead of the Boxing Day sales with some sacrificing their Christmas evening for a chance to bag a bargain.
Several hundred people were waiting outside Myer's Sydney store when doors opened at 5am on Tuesday, with one group arriving on Christmas afternoon to be first in line.
At the head of the line, Kiram Redey and his friends arrived just after 5pm on Christmas Day.
"This is the first time we've come here," Mr Redey told AAP.
"We are so excited."
Australian shoppers are expected to spend about $2.4 billion on Boxing Day and almost $16 million between Boxing Day and January 15, up almost three per cent on last year, according to the Australian Retailers Association.
"We're seeing good, strong numbers and obviously online shopping will be a major part of that," ARA executive director Russell Zimmerman told reporters in Sydney on Sunday.
- With AAP
