DRUG-DEALING, theft and ticket touting will be Essex Police's main focal points as the force prepares for an influx of 170,000 music lovers for this year's V Festival in Chelmsford.

Roddy Ashworth

DRUG-DEALING, theft and ticket touting will be Essex Police's main focal points as the force prepares for an influx of 170,000 music lovers for this year's V Festival in Chelmsford.

Lady Gaga, Lily Allen, The Killers, Snow Patrol, Fatboy Slim and Oasis are just some of the acts that will be appearing at the annual two-day event in Hylands Park at the weekend.

Although high-visibility policing throughout the campsites will be maintained, festival-goers are urged to leave valuable possessions at home and to keep mobile telephones and electrical items with them wherever they go.

Police will also be on patrol throughout the park as they look to identify drug-dealers and remove them from the site after arrest.

CCTV cameras have been installed to give ambulance staff, police officers and security guards extensive coverage across the whole of the park.

Policing co-ordinator Supt Steve Johnson said his priority was that everyone should have a good time enjoying the music at the festival while being protected from crime.

“We're looking forward to seeing young and old from across Essex and further afield here in Chelmsford, sampling the delights the festival and town have to offer,” said Supt Johnson.

“However, let them be under no illusions about our stance on drug-taking or dealing. We will prosecute anyone seen to be committing criminal offences.

“We need people to help themselves from avoiding becoming victims of crime. They need to use common sense and think about their personal security as well as that of their property.

“By doing so, they'll leave with the items they arrived with.”

Drug detection dog teams from Kent Police will be visible in and around the site, looking out for dealers and anyone bringing in illegal drugs for their own use.

Police horses will also be used for troublemakers and ticket touts.

A temporary 30mph speed limit will be enforced along sections of the A414 surrounding Hylands Park from Friday August 21 to Monday August 24 to avoid crashes and minimise congestion.

Revellers are urged to use public transport, with National Express East Anglia laying on extra trains and free shuttle buses operating between Chelmsford Railway Station and Hylands Park.