Police urge revellers to 'Play Safe, Stay Safe' at the Big Day Out SYD
Police urge revellers to 'Play Safe, Stay Safe' at the Big Day Out, SYD
Police are urging attendees at Thursday’s Big Day Out to pay as much attention to their health and safety as they do to enjoying the music.
The Big Day Out will be held between 11am and 12midnight at the RAS Showground, Olympic Park, on Australia Day (Thursday 26 January 2012).
Event organisers are expecting tens of thousands of music enthusiasts to attend this annual event.
A high-visibility police operation will be in place at the music festival, targeting anti-social behaviour, alcohol-related crime, and illegal drug use and supply.
The operation, which will take place in and around the venue, will involve a large police contingent from the South West Metropolitan Region, Dog Squad, including drug-detection dogs; Mounted Police Unit and Commuter Crime Unit.
South West Metropolitan Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Frank Mennilli, said police have been working with event organisers to ensure the event remains safe and fun.
“While police want everyone attending the festival to have a big day out, we also want them to have a safe day out,” said Assistant Commissioner Mennilli.
“I especially want to remind people that recreational drugs are dangerous, illegal and potentially life-threatening, especially when combined with alcohol.
“Time and again at music festivals we see people become seriously ill when they mix drugs and alcohol.”
Attendees who bring drugs to the festival can expect to be caught.
“In addition to a large number of overt and covert police resources aimed at catching those taking or dealing illegal drugs, we will have drug-detection dogs on site to assist us in this task,” Assistant Commissioner Mennilli said.
“We will also be targeting alcohol-fuelled violence, underage drinking and anti-social behaviour so you can expect police patrolling in and outside the venue and on public transport to and from the event.
Last year, 440 people were detained by police during the two-day operation.
“People can’t assume the rules of the real world don’t apply to the Big Day Out,” said Assistant Commissioner Mennilli.
“Police completed 446 drug searches, with 77 drug possession charges, eight drug supply offences, and 65 cannabis cautions.
“We also ejected three intoxicated people, and 18 other people received court attendance notices or youth cautions for various forms of anti-social behaviour,” Assistant Commissioner Mennilli said.
St John Ambulance volunteers will also be in attendance at the event, and police encourage anyone under the influence of drugs or excessive amount of alcohol or who feels unwell to seek professional medical attention.
“Last year, 18 people were taken to hospital and 1147 people were treated by St John first aid.
“Their symptoms or injuries varied from the effects of drugs and alcohol, to heatstroke and sunburn, to sprains and bruising,” said Assistant Commissioner Mennilli.
Patrons are reminded of the following:
Bottles, cans, weapons, lasers, fireworks, umbrellas, illicit drugs and alcohol are prohibited items and will not be permitted in to the venue. All bags/containers are subject to a full search at entry to ensure the safety of patrons. Prohibited items that are confiscated will not be returned.
Take plenty of sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, or a raincoat if weather indicates.
Drink plenty of water as the heat and crowds can cause dehydration.
Patrons who wish to consume alcohol must have photographic identification. Anyone found to be supplying or buying alcohol for a minor will be evicted from the venue and will possibly face criminal charges.
Alcohol and/or drugs increase’s your chances of becoming a victim or offender. Police encourage personal responsibility.
Patrons are encouraged to refrain from crowd surfing, fence jumping and crowd crush to prevent sustaining serious injuries
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