This in from the police, in their own words. Ed
The last big UK festival of the year, Bestival, has drawn to a close with crime levels at this year’s event dropping by 26 per cent.
Police commanders worked closely with event organisers throughout the event to keep all those attending safe, and are hailing the policing operation as a success.
Overall to-date, there has been a 26% decrease in all crime reported, with 182 reported crimes (248 in 2014).
This includes a total of 111 theft offences reported (down from 177 in 2014).
£37,000 worth of drugs in amnesty bins
This year’s drug search operation at the point of entry was carried out by security and private drugs dogs working closely with a police search advisor. It proved very effective, with £37,000 worth of assorted drugs deposited in amnesty bins.
Those found to be in possession of larger amounts were arrested, searched and ejected from the event. A total of 54 were arrested for drug offences, which saw a 22 per cent decrease in possession offences on 2014 (69/2014).
Another 30 people were arrested for possession with intent to supply (an increase on 20 from last year).
£33,000 worth of drugs seized
In total £33,000 worth of drugs was seized – more than 50 per cent up on 2014.
In total, drug seizures were up by 64 per cent on last year.
Assaults on security staff
There were no reported serious sexual offences.
Assaults increased in number from two to 12, and were mostly committed on security staff, who increased the number of ejections for use of Nitrous Oxide (Noz) and stolen wristbands;
Wanted men arrested
Deployment of the Roads Policing Unit Proactive team was once again successful, with use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition resulting in a number of significant arrests, including several for possession with intent to supply, and the arrest of three men who were wanted on warrant in London in connection with a serious assault.
The Licensing team also conducted carried out a proactive test purchase operation to ensure compliance with licensing conditions, with a zero failure rate.
Months of careful planning
Superintendent Andy Houghton, police commander at Bestival, said:
“The policing operation was successfully implemented across the weekend, following processes we have rehearsed and tuned at previous events. Every festival marks the culmination of months of careful planning and close liaison with partner agencies and the event organisers.”
