RACE fans who try and gatecrash the Bathurst 1000 can expect to be charged, and even jailed, warns the city's top cop, Superintendent Peter O'Brien.
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On Friday, the State Government signed off on a COVID-safe plan that will allow just 4000 fans a day onto Mount Panorama. Camping on the Mount has also been banned for this year.
Supt O'Brien said having weighed up the advantages and disadvantages of hosting the event during a pandemic, organisers have come up with the compromise.
Fans with tickets will sit in reserved seating or in private boxes.
Despite far lower crowds numbers, Supt O'Brien said the approach by police will be no different to previous years.
"We anticipate people will try and enter the Mount illegally and I'm here to tell you, they will be dealt with on the spot.
"Not only are they facing significant fines, in some cases, they can be facing jail time."
He said his advice is don't even try to enter the Mount unless you have a valid ticket.
He urged people to watch the event from home, saying TV coverage would be ample.
Supt O'Brien said police will be protecting the boundary of the Mount as they usually would, using police horses, trail bikes, all terrain vehicles and the dog squad.
"All these resources are normally deployed to the mount anyway, they just might not be as obvious in a normal year.
"Police dogs will also be used, and I can say if anyone thinks they can outrun the police dogs, good luck.
"If you don't have a ticket don't even try [to get in], we're ready and were prepared to deal with you .
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"There are a whole range of acts we can use, including the Crimes Act NSW and COVID-19 legislation.
"We're hoping beyond hope we don't have to do it, but be warned we will be ready if people want to take the risk," he said.
He said police were also prepared for a significant increase in visitors to the city.
"The information we are receiving is motels are still taking guests, obviously crowd numbers will be down (compared to previous years) but there will still be the people working at the race."
He said they are also expecting race fans to come to town, even if they are not going to the mount.
"For sure there will be people making the pilgrim here, but we are ready."
Supt O'Brien also reminded people of their obligations.
"Complacency around this virus is the killer."
"There are still new cases everyday," he said.