Essex Police is preparing its officers to help maintain V Festival’s record as one of the safest of the summer.

Ticket touting and legal highs are two of the areas police are particularly keen to crack down on.

And the police’s crime-prevention mascot Seymour will also appear on screens to greet festival-goers.

There is just a week to go until the event at Hylands Park in Chelmsford and the force has been working closely with the organisers to ensure the festival is safe and fun-filled.

Policing co-ordinator chief superintendent Simon Williams said: “The festival has a reputation for being one of the safest on the summer calendar and our officers will be working hard to ensure it remains that way from August 22.

“We’re keen to continue driving down crime and ask festival-goers to look after themselves whilst enjoying the music and atmosphere.

“People come from all over the country to see some top-class acts and enjoy the community atmosphere in relaxed surroundings.

“However, there are also those who come with the aim of committing crime such as selling drugs, peddling dodgy merchandise and stealing property.”

Chief inspector Jon Hayter added: “We’ll have uniformed, plain-clothed patrols and police dogs on site who will be working hard to keep everyone safe.

“We will be deploying a range of highly skilled and specially trained officers who will be working closely with security staff to keep an eye on the site to maintain a crime-free event.

“Psychoactive substances (legal highs) will not be tolerated at the event and if anyone is found to be in possession of them, they could be prosecuted, and removed from the festival.

“Equally, ticket touting will not be permitted in or around the site and those found to be touting could face prosecution.

For updates about the festival, follow Essex Police on Twitter @essexpoliceuk or visit their Facebook page www.facebook.com/essexpoliceuk. For useful information visit www.essex.police.uk/festivals.