POLICE numbers will be down at this year’s Bathurst 1000 but they have warned they will be taking a hard line on anti-social behaviour at the event.
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Operation Ashdown was launched yesterday afternoon, with police warning racegoers that drug possession and breaches of alcohol restrictions will not be tolerated.
Random drug testing and detection dogs are among the tools police will use to ensure all spectators enjoy a safe, family-friendly environment at the Great Race.
Western Region acting assistant commissioner Commander Geoff Mckechnie said police would closely inspect vehicles and racegoers for prohibited drugs.
“The warning is, of course, that prohibited drugs are not legal anywhere; but here on the mountain this weekend, if you are detected with prohibited drugs, not only will you be dealt with according to the relevant legislation, you will be issued with a banning notice and ejected from the venue immediately,” Commander Mckechnie said.
“And, as always, we will closely scrutinise alcohol-related behaviour and adherence to the well-defined restrictions.”
Random drug testing will occur in the Bathurst city area and random breath testing will be located at the entrances to the mountain’s campgrounds.
An additional 270 police will patrol Bathurst and the mountain precinct across the weekend, including general duties officers as well as highway patrol, Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), dog squad, bicycle officers and mounted police.
However, police numbers have been reduced at this year’s event.
Commander Mckechnie said patrons would only see a reduction in police at checkpoints.
“This year we’ve wound back the police presence at some of our checkpoints,” he said. “We’ve handed those duties over to private security.
“We have maintained our public order and traffic policing component.
“We know that most of the incidents that occur that need the intervention of police or security are alcohol-related. By placing restrictions on that, we’ve achieved some great results.
“Now we’re pushing that little bit further in terms of illicit drug use.”
In 2010, 180,000 people attended the four days of the event. Police arrested and charged 56 people with a total of 80 charges in and around Bathurst during the event.
“As with all major sporting events, we want fans to enjoy it in a safe and secure environment, without the fear of being subjected to anti-social behaviour,” Commander Mckechnie said.
