The Isle of Wight Festival and Hampshire Constabulary are working together to keep crime levels down on the site during the weekend.
A small minority of people attending the Festival see it as an opportunity to commit crime, mainly stealing from tents. You can help yourselves by following the below advice:
ONLY BRING WITH YOU WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD TO LOSE
Remember, there’s no way you can make a tent 100% secure so only bring what you absolutely need. Don’t be tempted to leave valuables in your vehicle either. Don’t challenge people looking through tents – report them to Festival staff or the Police immediately.
CAMP NEAR FRIENDS
There’s safety in numbers. Say “hello” to your neighbours to build a community feeling and provide greater security around your tent.
MARK YOUR PROPERTY
Label your belongings, including your tent, with your postcode. Thieves are after unidentifiable property, so make sure the markings are obvious and indelible. Before you come to the Festival register your property such as mobile phones and cameras for free at www.immobilise.com and help the Police to return stolen items to their rightful owner.
PROTECT YOUR MOBILE PHONE
Do this now: on your mobile phone key in *#06# and your unique International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number will be displayed. Make a note of this number so that if you lose your phone or if it is stolen you can contact your service provider to have the phone immobilised. Whilst on site keep it in a buttoned/zipped pocket, secure bag or use a lanyard to keep it secured to your clothing.
KEEP CASH AND POSSESSIONS ON YOU
But don’t keep all your money, bank cards and valuables together – spread them around in different pockets. Before going to sleep, place them in a plastic bag and hide it in your sleeping bag with you. There will be lockers available on site for rental – please use them!
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO BRING ILLEGAL DRUGS INTO THE FESTIVAL
Searches will be carried out. If you take prescribed medication keep it with you at all times. These types of drugs are often sought by thieves. The Hampshire Constabulary will be conducting a structured drug disruption operation again at this year’s event. They will utilise passive drugs detection dogs during the course of the weekend covering points of entry to the site. Amnesty bins will be provided in advance of these check points to give people the opportunity to surrender illegal substances.
CRIME REPORTING
If you are a victim of crime there will be Police Officers and Festival staff on site to whom you can report the incident. Alternatively, call the Hampshire Constabulary on: 101 or 999 in an emergency
