THE massive operation to police this year’s country music festival is about to get under way with hordes of fans already rolling into town.
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Oxley police have a long list of extra officers arriving in Tamworth to hit the beat to keep an eye on Tamworth Country Music Festival crowds and interrupt those doing the wrong thing over the 10-day event.
Officers will be on bikes, buggies, on foot and in cars, and the dog squad will be here, so too the normal contingent of police around town and on the roads.
“Community safety is our number-one priority, and police will be targeting criminal and anti-social behaviour associated with drinking too much alcohol,” Oxley Superintendent Fred Trench said.
“The message is simple – think before you drink, keep an eye on your mates, and enjoy the event responsibly.”
The message is simple – think before you drink, keep an eye on your mates, and enjoy the event responsibly.
- Oxley Superintendent Fred Trench
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Alcohol free zones across the CBD are in place and police and council rangers will be out in force.
In the midst of school holidays, police will also be hitting the roads in and out of the country music capital as thousands of motorists flood the highways.
Those using phones behind the wheel, drink and drug driving, dangerous behaviour and speeding are being targeted by police, including extra highway staff rostered onto the roads.
“January is a busy time on our roads, with people travelling not only to Tamworth, but also across the state to and from school holiday destinations,” Superintendent Trench said.
“There will be additional Traffic and Highway Patrol officers on our roads throughout the event, so we’re urging motorists to be mindful of the traffic on the roads, drive to the conditions and allow extra travel time.”
Several roads will be no-go zones for motorists unless they have a permit from council, while campers are also urged to secure their goods from prying eyes.
Superintendent Trench said visitors should get to know their surrounding campers; be mindful of their personal goods out and about; leave valuables at home, or locked away and out of sight; lock their caravan or secure their tent; and always report suspicious activity.
The police operation will ramp up on Friday and run until the end of the long weekend.
