The much anticipated Adelaide Fringe festival will kick off tomorrow night bringing an array of events over 31 days and nights at locations from Whyalla to Naracoorte and the city precinct.
With the next month set to draw hundreds of thousands of people to the city and other areas of the state, South Australia Police (SAPOL) is urging event attendees to exercise care and to look after each other and their property.
Police will have a highly visible presence throughout the city over the Fringe season particularly as this year's Fringe will see a larger number of city and park land locations host events. SAPOL will deploy foot and bicycle patrols, as well as police horses and dogs to monitor crowds and to manage any anti-social behaviour to preserve the inclusive and family-friendly atmosphere of the festival season.
Police Commander for Adelaide Fringe 2023, Superintendent Narelle Kameniar said SAPOL is ready to respond to any calls for assistance but is calling on members of the public to partner with police by having fun safely and reporting any suspicious behaviour.
"With any large crowd, there is a higher risk of incidents that require a police response. SAPOL urges those enjoying Fringe events to do so responsibly, don't spoil it for those around you, " said Supt Kameniar.
"Allow extra time and be patient if driving into the city to navigate the road closures and restrictions in place. Please do not hesitate to speak to any police officer you see or call 131 444 if you identify something suspicious or need assistance."
"Do not leave bags unattended even if you're only going a short distance to get food or drinks and remember to stay hydrated during the hot weather," said Supt Kameniar.
Those attending Fringe events with children or vulnerable people can also collect a SAPOL Safety and Assistance wristband from the information booths at Gluttony in Rymill Park / Murlawirrapurka and Garden of Unearthly Delights in Rundle Park / Kadlitpina. This allows an assisting person to provide relevant and immediate support if the wearer finds themselves lost or in need of help.
The city's East End and surrounding area has once again been proclaimed a Declared Public Precinct (DPP). As part of DPP legislation, any person or group within a DPP may be subject to a metal detector search by a police officer and may be ordered to leave the precinct should their behaviour pose a risk to public order and safety.
The DPP in the City West entertainment district will also continue to be in place from 6:00pm until 6:00am each Friday and Saturday.
For more information about DPP's, visit https://www.police.sa.gov.au/your-safety/declared-public-precincts
There will also be a number of road closures throughout the city during the Adelaide Fringe festival with extended closures of the Rundle Street and East Terrace intersection during peak periods for the purpose of pedestrian safety. Rundle Street will also be closed during the East End Unleashed event. Road restrictions will also be in place around Victoria Square / Tarntanyangga.
For more information on safety tips over the festival season, please visit https://www.police.sa.gov.au/your-safety
