ATTENDEES of Triple J’s Lucindale One Night Stand can expect to see sniffer dogs at next week’s event as South Australia Police prepare to clamp down on anti-social behaviour.
Officers from around the region will descend on Yakka Park on September 14 to ensure the estimated 25,000 visitors to the drug and alcohol free event are well-behaved.
Limestone Coast Superintendent Phil Hoff said the all-ages event was historically a positive experience and South East law enforcement was committed to ensuring this event was no different.
Supt Hoff said the presence of drug detection dogs was implemented on a needs basis and when police have a “specific reason to believe they will be of value.”
“Rock concerts and concerts in particular can attract people who want to smuggle substances in and it is another level of security we put in place,” he said.
“We do them generally for a lot of concerts and big events but we have not had anything comparative in size in the South East in my time.”
He stressed the all-ages event had a no drug and alcohol policy and warned people who were under the influence of either substances would be refused entry.
“A word of caution is do not expect to be able to get into the venue if you are drinking on the bus or getting intoxicated before the event,” Supt Hoff said.
“We will be breath testing on the road and making observations of people’s demeanour before getting in and we will be using metal detector wands to make sure there will be no unlawful piece of equipment.”
“I think it is a wonderful opportunity to engage in an activity without the need to be affected by drugs and alcohol.
“Nothing would please me more to see nobody trying to smuggle drugs and alcohol into the event.”
Supt Hoff said police would also target traffic safety, with a large police presence monitoring roads in and out of Lucindale in the days leading up to the event.
“We wish to ensure people arrive safely, leave safely and are safe during the event,” he said.
“Although ABC and Triple J are responsible for the internal behaviour at the event the police will focus on the external area activity in the region.”
Lucindale One Night Stand committee member Kate Rayner supported the extra police work, also encouraging road-side safety over the weekend.
“We as a committee are encouraging councils around the Limestone Coast to organise buses for visitors to utilise just to further emphasise road safety over the weekend,” Ms Rayner said.
