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AAP
AAP
National
Samantha Lock

Youth gangs banned from Sydney Royal Easter Show

Police are increasing their presence at Sydney's Royal Easter Show after a fatal stabbing last year. (Paul Braven/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

More than 30 youths from gangs have been barred from Sydney's Royal Easter Show as part of a police crackdown on violence after the fatal stabbing of a teenager at the family event.

Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith said the shocking killing of a 17-year-old boy in sideshow alley last year prompted police to rethink security at the annual event.

Uati "Pele" Faletolu was stabbed in the chest and died on his way to hospital after a brawl broke out between rival groups.

Police set up Strike Force APACE to identify individuals who posed a risk to public safety.

"Last year led us to a significant and comprehensive review," Mr Smith told reporters outside Sydney's Olympic Park on Tuesday.

"Specifically we've targeted youth gangs this year to make sure they don't impact the show."

Police have issued 30 public safety orders to people deemed a public safety risk, or who have a history of serious violent crime, to prevent them from attending.

Another six orders are still to be issued.

Mr Smith said a specialist street gang group would work with police to target late-night behaviour when youths came in to the show "to play up".

"They know who these individuals are," he said.

"It's very clear these people won't leave each other alone and they are not doing it at this show."

Police numbers will be doubled, with more than 50 officers on site each day alongside five specialist youth command officers, a specialist street gang team and 130 security officers.

"The show attracts everyone from families to people who go with the sole intention of causing trouble," a police spokeswoman told AAP.

Sydney Royal Easter Show general manager Murray Wilton said he had been working with police to ensure the safety of the event.

Ride operators have been ordered not to play rap music, lighting has been increased, sideshow alley will close at 9.30pm and bag searches and metal detectors will be used at entry gates.

"We've increased lighting (and) music will be toned right down," Mr Wilton said.

"If there is anti-social behaviour on grounds we will have the right to remove people off-site immediately."

About 900,000 people are expected to attend the show from Wednesday to April 17.

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