THE music is here, the rain is here, and so are the police.
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The blue force has arrived in numbers - on foot, with four paws, in cars and on bikes. You name it, the police are ready for it.
The operation to police the Tamworth Country Music Festival is no small feat. Hundreds of officers roll into town, with the campers, to keep a close eye on local and visiting revellers who don't toe the line.
Operation Tamworth Country Music Festival 2020 involves police from across the Western Region hitting the streets.
But in fact, it's the cops you don't see who collar crime before it happens, or move swiftly when it does break out.
Undercover or plain-clothes police, as well as licensing officers, sweep the hot spots: pubs and clubs, camping grounds, parks in and around the CBD, and, of course, the main street.
Acting head of Western Region police, Acting Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna, said antisocial behaviour, alcohol-related violence and road safety were the three main targets for police.
Oxley Acting Superintendent Kylie Endemi is heading up the operation, and said: "The message is simple."
"We want everyone to have fun, enjoy the festival and what Tamworth has to offer - but if you break the law, we will be there and we will take action," Acting Superintendent Endemi warned.
The CBD is largely an alcohol-free zone, so unless you're drinking inside a pub or club, you'll be asked to get rid of your drink.
Hundreds of artists will play thousands of gigs across the 10 days to the tens of thousands in the crowd.
Visitors in camping areas are urged to get to know their neighbours, be vigilant, secure any valuables, lock their cars, tents and caravans, and report suspicious activity.
"Our officers are not out to spoil your fun; they are focused on making sure the event is safe and enjoyable for everyone involved," Mr McKenna said.
"Community safety is our number-one priority, and police will be targeting criminal and antisocial behaviour associated with drinking too much alcohol.
"The message is simple - think before you drink, keep an eye on your mates and enjoy the event responsibly."
Oxley police won't be sitting back, though. The usual cohort of police will be out on the streets across the city and the wider policing district, carrying out their usual work. The visiting officers take the reins of the festival crowds to ensure every base is covered.
The city usually almost doubles in size for the 10-day festival, but drought and the bushfires are expected to affect numbers this year.
And the majority of the crowds do the right thing. In 2019, it was mainly locals who caught the ire of police for property offences, stealing and antisocial behaviour.
On the roads, highway patrol officers will be targeting those taking unnecessary risks behind the wheel.
The roads in and around the CBD might be no-go zones for drivers, but trying to get home on the back roads after a few drinks won't go unnoticed.
"Police patrolling roads in and around Tamworth will be targeting speeding, drink- and drug-driving, mobile phone use and other dangerous driver behaviour," Mr McKenna said.
And while heat won't be a major factor - if the weather forecasts ring true - revellers are still urged to drink responsibly and have a plan B.
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
