Each year organisers of the Isle of Wight Festival work with Hampshire Constabulary to keep crime levels down on the site during the weekend, but not all crime can be eradicated.
A small minority of people attending the Festival see it as an opportunity to commit crime, mainly stealing from tents.
Last year’s Isle of Wight festival saw a significant drop (23%) in the number of recorded thefts from tents reported, compared to 2015’s festival. While this is a positive, Police advise members of the public not to be complacent and to remain vigilant to the risks of leaving valuables in tents.
Festival-goers are advised to make a list of all the serial and model numbers for electrical items and register their possessions with IMMOBILISE. This ensures they are properly marked, so police can identify the owners of recovered property with ease. Visit www.immobilise.com for further details.
Hampshire Constabulary’s Crime Prevention Advisor said:
“Before the festival has even begun, work is well underway between Hampshire Constabulary and our partners to develop a plan to ensure people are protected when they visit the festival site.
“Every year we advise festival-goers to take note of the crime prevention advice on our social media channels, and also the useful information on the festival page on our website, to help us maintain a low level of crime.
“Upon arrival, festival-goers are invited to spend time at our festival police station in Seaclose Park, in the ‘Electric Ladyland’ area of the site, where we’ll be offering further interactive ways to stay safe throughout the festival”.
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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.
