Police crack down on ‘anti-social’ behaviour at Sydney Easter Show

By HENRIQUE MONTEIRO

NSW Police have announced they will be running a high-visibility operation at this years Sydney Royal Easter Show as a result of last year’s fatal stabbing.

Changes to this year’s show include an increase in police numbers, a ban on rap music, setting up of more lighting throughout the site and an earlier closing time for the rides. The main carnival will be closed down at 9:30pm on police orders.

“Police are working closely with event organisers and relevant stakeholders to ensure we have the strategies and resources in place to make the Easter Show an enjoyable day out for all,” NSW Police said.

Rap music banned

Ride operators have been instructed by police that they are banned from playing rap music at the Easter Show.

Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith defended the ban on rap music to the media, saying the genre was used by gangs for recruitment.

“Rapper music is being used to lure youth into a life of crime,” Smith said to reporters.

Sydney Royal Easter Show general manager Murray Wilton has defended Police’s crackdown.

Police say the new set of measures were put in place to target criminal, aggressive or anti-social behaviour and include the identification and ban of individuals that might pose a risk to public safety.

“Strike force detectives are using intelligence to proactively ban those who could pose a risk to the community,” NSW Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith said.

“The message is simple: anyone looking for trouble is not welcome at the show and will be dealt with accordingly.”

Last year, 17-year old carnival worker Uati ‘Pele’ Faletolu was expecting a child with his girlfriend when he was fatally stabbed in the chest by a 14-year-old and two 18-year-olds, who were later charged with murder and are currently awaiting trial,

Police reported that Uati was linked to the 67 Street Gang from Doonside which clashed with Mount Druitt’s Ready For Anything group.

The Sydney Royal Easter Show will take place from April 6 to 17 at the Sydney Showground in Sydney Olympic Park.