MUSIC lovers are being urged to behave with 170,000 set to descend on Chelmsford for the annual V Festival.

Police will be focusing on preventing drug dealing and theft at the festival, taking place at Hylands Park at the weekend, and will be watching on a vast array of CCTV cameras across the site.

Officers will also be conducting high visibility patrols throughout the festival and the surrounds and revellers are being asked to use public transport to get to and from the venue.

Supt Steve Johnson, policing co-ordinator for the festival, said: “We’re looking forward to seeing young and old from across Essex and further afield here in Chelmsford, sampling the delights the festival and town have to offer.

“However let they be under no illusions about our stance on drug-taking or dealing. We will prosecute anyone seen to be committing criminal offences.

“We need people to help themselves from avoiding becoming victims of crime. They need to use common sense and think about their personal security as well as that of their property. By doing so, they’ll leave with the items they arrived with,” he added.

Drug detection dog teams from Kent and police horses will also be used to help detect drug dealers, ticket touts and troublemakers.

Mr Johnson added: “Anyone who has been to V in Essex knows that there is a real community spirit and this is why it’s sold out each year. People come from all over the country to see some top class acts and enjoy the summer sun in relaxed surroundings. We have always seen good natured festivals and we hope it continues again this year.”