POLICE URGE RAINBOW SERPENT FESTIVAL GOERS TO PUT SAFETY FIRST

Photo: eventbrite.com.au

The annual festival in Lexton, near Ballarat, commences today and police will have a zero tolerance for illegal activity.

Police investigated a number of incidents involving drug trafficking, drug driving, theft, indecent assault and criminal damage at the six-day event last year.

Of most concern to police was the number of drug drivers detected leaving the Rainbow Serpent festival with 40 drivers testing positive for drugs.

Ballarat PSA Inspector Bruce Thomas said this year would be no different and drivers would again be tested.

“With approximately 7000 vehicles on site, this area is of real concern to Victoria Police,” he said.

“The presence of drugs at music festivals and similar events and the potential for overdoses is always of concern both to police and the community in general.

“It should be remembered that there was a fatal drug overdose at the Rainbow Serpent Festival in 2012 and there have been a number of Ambulance Victoria recorded overdoses since.”

Inspector Thomas said attendees should watch out for their mates to ensure everyone has a safe festival experience.

“Drink plenty of water, make you get enough sleep and give some thought as to whether you are fit to drive following the event,” he said.