Police are warning visitors to this year’s WOMAD festival to behave or stay away as officers crack down on trouble makers.

The World of Music, Arts and Dance kicks off on July 24 and attracts thousands of people to Charlton park just outside Malmesbury.

Chief Inspector for North and West Wiltshire, Gavin Williams, has promised to arrest professional criminals coming to raid tents.

He said: “I have personally written to each individual arrested last year telling them not to turn up.

“Last year we reduced the number of crimes committed from 168 the year before, to just 30.

“The police operation was a great success and we have linked up with other forces to keep track of people who might be coming to the festival to commit crime.

“There is a group from the North of England who attend festivals simply to steal stuff from tents.”

He added: “We have the details of every person arrested at festivals over the past 12 months and will be targeting repeat offenders.”

The festival also attracts thousands of cars to the small country roads of North Wiltshire which can have a knock on traffic and parking.

Chf Insp Williams said: “We have a specific traffic management plan to deal with the large number of vehicles which involves putting up signs and diverting traffic when required.

“Two years ago we had tailbacks to the other side of Chippenham but last year the longest hold up was only four minutes.

“And anyone parking illegally outside WOMAD will have their cars towed away and will have to pay a release fee.”

WOMAD has made a name for itself as a festival with a family atmosphere and Chf Insp Williams is keen to maintain it.

He said: “WOMAD made the Guardian’s top three best festivals in the country.

“It receives international praise and we want people to come along and have a good time.

“Our job is to make it a safe and enjoyable festival for those who attend it and to ensure that the surrounding community are subject to as little disturbance as possible.

“If people are coming to commit crime and take part in anti social behaviour they will be arrested.”