This is how the Minneapolis police prevent crime during rush hour.

MINNEAPOLIS – From heavy metal to punk rock, the Twin Cities are in the middle of another big music weekend.

With bands like Metallica and Green Day drawing huge crowds this weekend, Minneapolis police are taking measures to prevent the crowds from causing a rise in crime.

“We are in constant contact with both our federal and local partners to ensure nothing untoward is happening,” said Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara.

It's tempting to assume that large gatherings of people downtown, like we saw this weekend, would lead to more crime. But Police Chief Brian O'Hara says the opposite is true.

“The amount of people in public spaces definitely helps keep the mob away,” said Police Chief O'hara. “There are fewer opportunities for crime on the streets. When there are fewer people out and about, first of all, people don't feel safe and secondly, there are opportunities for thefts and things like that… because there's no one there to see it and intervene.”

During major events, several additional officers are on patrol and the MPD constantly monitors cameras around downtown establishments to try to prevent crimes before they happen.

“Fortunately, we've done this all year, thousands and thousands of people have been here and there have been no major incidents associated with any of the events and we want to keep it that way,” said Chief O'Hara. “Even if you're not a fan of the music, the number of robberies is down this year, street crime downtown is down, that's music to everyone's ears.”

Metallica will be back at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday night, and Def Leppard and Journey will take over Target Field on Monday.