POLICE will be targeting crowds at Skyfire on Saturday night, to “ensure the family-friendly event is not marred by anti-social behaviour”.

Operational commander for the event, acting Supt Steve Hogarth said police want people to have fun with their family and friends on Saturday, but to also act responsibly.

“There will be a visible police presence on both sides of the lake, and anyone who acts in a hostile or anti-social manner which affects the amenity of the event may be taken into custody,” Acting Supt Hogarth said.

Acting Supt Hogarth said while the crowd behaviour was generally good at last year’s event, there would be a continued focus on alcohol-related violence and specifically, underage drinking.

“We took 31 teenagers into protective custody for underage drinking at last year’s Skyfire, which is a concern for us. We are focusing our operational and communications efforts to prevent this from occurring again,” he said.

“Additional police will be patrolling the Skyfire precinct and a temporary ‘youth reception area’ will be set up.

“Underage drinkers will be taken into custody and lodged at the reception area, followed by an attempt to either locate or contact their parents/guardians in the first instance.”

Police will also conduct on-the-ground activities promoting an anti-binge drinking night, with glow sticks and bottles of water available for the public. They will also launch their anti-binge drinking campaign “drink too much, and you’re a galah”.

Acting Supt Hogarth said there will be road closures, that will increase traffic in the area.

“If you plan to drink, don’t drive. It’s been almost 12 months since the ACT has recorded a death on its roads and we want to keep it that way,” Acting Supt Hogarth said.

Road closures will be in place on Saturday March 17.

More information on the ACT Policing Traffic twitter account at ACTPol_Traffic or www.police.act.gov.au.