Charges, warning follow festival ticket scam

Police have issued a stern warning they will continue to work with Beyond The Valley organisers to stamp out false tickets and wristbands after five people were charged during this year’s festival.

A 22-year-old local woman has been charged with deception related offences after allegedly producing false wristbands for the event. Four local youths also have been charged with using a false document.

Senior sergeant Scott Dwyer said police worked closely with organisers every year to target any problem areas and issues.

He said false ticketing and wristbands had been raised as a concern by festival organisers after issues at past festivals.

Sen sgt Dwyer said security staff noticed the use of false wristbands at the festival, held at Lardner Park over four days leading into new year’s day.

He said security alerted festival organisers who then became aware of an individual producing false wristbands.

“The information was passed onto police and we acted on it.

“We work closely with organisers in relation to a range of criminal matters. Organisers had become aware of this issue but this was the first time we have been able to follow through,” he said.

Sen sgt Dwyer said people probably see it as a “victimless crime.” However, he said it was a serious criminal offence because it was essentially stealing money from the organisers.

“As such, police will be focussing on it next year and I urge people who think of using false tickets to enter the event not to do it because we will take action against them. It will be a focus of our efforts at this year’s festival,” he said.

The 22-year-old woman will be summonsed to appear at Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on deception. The four youths also will be summonsed to appear at LVMC.

Police are investigating a burglary and criminal damage at a vacant house in Drouin last week.

The incident occurred between 8pm on January 6 and 7am the following morning.

Police said offenders smashed a window and entered the vacant house.

Once inside the offenders poured paint throughout and marked graffiti on multiple items in the house.

A neighbour and witness observed children nearby at the time of the incident. If anyone has any further information that may assist investigations, contact Drouin Police.