This in from the Police, in their own words – Ed.
Police are thanking organisers, partner agencies and visitors at this year’s larger Isle of Wight Festival for helping to keep crime levels low during the event.
A population of up to 75,000 people were at Seaclose Park over four days with the vast majority enjoying themselves safely and responsibly.
Provisional police figures suggest overall crime at the Isle of Wight Festival has gone down so far compared to last year.
The overall number of thefts reported, including tent thefts, has fallen from 150 last year (2010) to 106 so far this year, when there was an increase in the size of the festival campsite. The number of assaults reported fell from 20 last year (2010) to eight this year.
Patrols with security stewards
Police took part in combined briefings and patrols on the extended festival campsite with security stewards to disrupt and detect the activities of suspects. Free crime prevention lanyards and bags were handed out to festival goers and they were reminded of sensible precautions to protect their valuable property.
649 people searched
The police drugs operation proved to be a successful deterrent with 649 people searched in total. This included 18 people arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply. 58 people were bailed for suspected possession offences, and 79 cannabis warnings were issued. Provisional figures show at least £33,000 worth of drugs was seized by police. Further analysis of drugs evidence is being carried out.
No issues with ‘legal highs’ were reported during the event. The sale of these substances is banned under the Isle of Wight Festival’s licence.
No serious road traffic collisions
No serious road traffic collisions were reported on or around the Festival site. Hampshire Constabulary’s Roads Policing Unit (RPU) received positive feedback from members of the public about its drink and drug drive campaign.
Residents in Fairlee Road were given a dedicated phone number to contact the mobile police office stationed outside Seaclose Park so officers could maintain an active presence in their local neighbourhood and respond to any concerns.
Fairlee Road address stopped from selling alcohol
Isle of Wight Police Licensing Sergeant Mark Voller and his team were on duty throughout the Festival and paid attention to the event site and surrounding area. On Friday (June 10), they had concerns about the availability of alcohol to the public from an address in Fairlee Road, close to the Festival site. They took action to prevent further supplies of alcohol from the address.
Police worked alongside event organisers and partner agencies in the Isle of Wight Festival Emergency Liaison Team (ELT) to take action and anticipate possible issues with the adverse weather on Sunday (June 12, 2011).
One of the police commanders for the Isle of Wight Festival, Superintendent Paul Brooks, said: “Close co-operation and flexible tactics were the key elements in keeping this event a safe and enjoyable experience. All the agencies involved in planning came together in rising to the challenge of an increased festival population. We’re pleased that initial reports of crime are down on last year.
Other police forces study Festival operation
“Police and organisers reacted rapidly to information received throughout the weekend to track and arrest groups of people suspected of planning to commit crime at the festival. We’re grateful for the support of other UK police forces that had officers visiting the event to study our operation, which is regarded as an example of best practice. Other forces also sent dog handlers to assist with the drugs searches, which maintained their unobtrusive approach towards festival goers. Feedback from within the festival site suggested it was extremely difficult to buy and sell drugs this year.
“I’d like to thank the organisers and partner agencies for their combined professionalism and expertise, which were tested in a range of weather conditions. We look forward to continuing our excellent working relationship and helping to enhance a safe festival experience in future.”
