The Isle of Wight was the centre of excitement and festivity as visitors and locals enjoyed Cowes Week safely and sensibly this year.
Police were actively taking measures to ensure that those in attendance made the most of the week without disruption from crime, disorder, and anti-social behaviour (ASB).
Dealing with disruptions
Unfortunately, a very small minority of people did engage in poor behaviour that caused disruption. The police say they dealt with those individuals robustly.
A Section 34 dispersal order in Cowes was issued during the week to target such individuals more effectively.
Dispersal orders
Dispersal orders provide the police with the authority to instruct a person to leave a directed area, and not to return within a specified time period.
Those who refuse to comply with this order are committing a criminal offence and can be arrested. Juveniles involved in ASB will be escorted home to their parents.
Recent incidents and arrest
Last week, police had to issue dispersal notices to three individuals in Cowes for poor behaviour.
One individual, a 21-year-old man from Cowes, failed to comply with the notice and was subsequently arrested by officers.
Statement from the Chief Inspector
Chief Inspector Alex Charge commented on the situation, stating that those who misbehave during large events like Cowes Week are fortunately in the minority.
He stressed that everyone should be able to go out and have fun without becoming abusive or disruptive.
Image: westmidlandspolice under CC BY 2.0
