Police roll up and join in show festivities
Channel: SA Police News
Date: 2023-09-01

South Australia Police (SAPOL) is ready to step right up for nine days of family fun at this year's Royal Adelaide Show, which is expected to attract half a million visitors.
The popular Adelaide calendar event will run from Saturday 2 September to Sunday 10 September, and will see SAPOL deploy uniformed and unmarked patrols, police dogs, horses, bicycle patrols and Public Transport Safety Branch members to monitor crowd behaviour and keep people safe.
Eastern District Chief Inspector Peter Duance – Police Commander for the Royal Adelaide Show – said preventing theft, reuniting lost children and road safety would all be major focuses of SAPOL show operations. 
“We will have a highly visible police response this year operating right through the duration of the Royal Show. This will include traffic police on the roads surrounding the show to assist with the safe and efficient flow of traffic,” Chief Inspector Duance said. 
“Police will be encouraging everyone attending the Show this year to come and enjoy themselves, but to do so responsibly.  
 “We take a low-tolerance approach to all forms of offending and will take positive action if people are caught breaking the law.”
SAPOL reminds the public of the following:
• Abide by the reduced speed zones in place around the showground and be attentive to crowds of young children who may move unpredictably along footpaths and roads.
• Keep an eye on your belongings, secure your vehicle and ensure valuables are hidden from sight.
‘If I’m lost’ wristbands are available from all Show kiosks, the Show Police Station, volunteer headquarters and the Royal Adelaide Show office. A parent or guardian’s phone number should be written on the wristband before putting them on.
At last year’s event, 68 people were reported missing. Chief Inspector Duance urged parents and caregivers to be vigilant with looking after children and to utilise the ‘If I’m lost’ wristbands available. 
“If accompanying young children please be mindful of the fact that the Show attracts large crowds, so keep a close eye on young children all the time,” he urged. 
“Also please have a form of communication with your children, such as mobile phone contact if possible, as well as pre-arranging a place to meet should you become separated and be familiar with that place in the rare event you have to use it.”
The Show Police Station is located in the North Western grandstand near the Royal Adelaide Show Office and lost children or lost vulnerable adults may be taken there.
Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society Chief Executive Will Rayner said a day at the Show should be a memorable one “for all the right reasons”.
"Our Show team works closely with SAPOL to ensure all of our visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience and we are grateful for their hard work and commitment to our event,” Mr Rayner said.
“I encourage all of our visitors to plan their trip to the show by purchasing their tickets ahead of time, planning their transport and making the most of our MyShow itinerary planner and showbag guide."
SAPOL’s popular corporate display will return to the Jubilee Pavilion across two sites (F40 and H40), close to the food court, and will offer a wide variety of information and resources. 
The SAPOL corporate display will feature the following:
• Talent Acquisition – Sunday to Thursday: 9:00am to 8:00pm. Friday & Saturday 9:00am to 9:00pm.  
• Crime Stoppers SA – 9:00am to 8:00pm on the 6, 7 and 8th September.
• Cybercrime – Sunday to Thursday: 9:00am to 8:00pm. Friday and Saturday: 9:00am to 9:00pm.  
• Public Engagement Unit – Sunday to Thursday: 9:00am to 8:00pm. Friday and Saturday: 9:00am to 9:00pm.  
• Road safety – Sunday to Thursday: 9:00am to 8:00pm. Friday and Saturday: 9:00am to 9:00pm.
• Dog Operations Unit – Monday, Wednesday and Friday 4, 6 and 8th of September: between 10:00am to 12 noon. 
Visitors may also have their photo taken on a police buggy, with the SAPOL recruitment van or in a photo booth and are encouraged to try out the virtual reality experience – Beware what you Share – promoting smarter choices online. Jeff the Road Safety Dog will also form part of a ‘paw patrol’ throughout showtime. 
The Band of the South Australia Police will also provide regular performances at 10:30am, 12.30pm and 3pm daily.