Over 100 additional Police officers will be deployed on the Island this weekend specifically for the Isle of Wight Festival.
Hampshire Constabulary are out on a crime crackdown bringing in additional resources to ensure festival-goers are safe and well-behaved to run alongside normal Island policing across all areas.
Hampshire Constabulary’s Isle of Wight Festival police commander Chief Superintendent Dave Hardcastle said:
“The Isle of Wight Festival has established a reputation for having low crime and a friendly atmosphere for more than a decade.
“We want festival-goers to enjoy themselves safely again this year, and we want any criminals to be warned off by our regular rigorous approach to protecting the island.
“It’s always essential for police to patrol in partnership with security staff to ensure a safe festival.
“More than 100 officers, PCSOs and police staff will be deployed on duties in and around the festival site during the event.”
Visitors travelling on Wightlink’s St Clare ferry from Portsmouth and via Red Funnel’s Southampton terminals can meet police staff and volunteers, who can provide crime prevention tips and technology.
Upon arrival at Seaclose, festival-goers will be invited to spend time at the Festival police station near the foot entrance to the site where officers will be offering further interactive ways to stay safe all throughout the festival.
As well as Policing on the Festival site, the increase in motorists also has to be Policed. Hampshire Constabulary’s Isle of Wight Roads Policing Unit (RPU) Sergeant Dave Sanderson said:
“We were pleased last year with the significant efforts from festival organisers Solo in re-designing and reinforcing their traffic management plans.
“Teamwork involving all agencies will remain crucial to keeping residents and visitors on the move safely.
“Some delays will be inevitable so I would remind all road users to allow more time for their journeys during the week of the festival.
“Motorists putting lives at risk on the roads will be dealt with robustly by my officers who will be on regular patrols.”
AA traffic controllers have conferred police powers to direct and control traffic on roads – drivers must comply with directions given.
Police have also warned that all drugs, including ‘legal highs’ are not permitted and are not safe.
Chief Superintendent David Hardcastle said:
“Their use and sale is not condoned and not tolerated at the festival, where people suspected of carrying and supplying illegal drugs will be searched and arrested where necessary.
“Police officers and trained security staff will work together to target drug dealers, prevent harm to people, and offer medical help to anyone vulnerable from the effects of drug use.”
New psychoactive substances, also known as ‘legal highs’, remain prohibited at the festival. Their sales are banned under the conditions of the event licence. These substances are often marketed as ‘legal’ and misleadingly labelled as ‘not for human consumption’ or ‘research chemicals.’
Police said it was increasingly clear some of these substances are far from harmless and can sometimes be more harmful than illegal drugs. They are also sold as ‘branded’ products and often contain a range of compounds which are rarely consistent, and are different to those advertised on the packet or at the point of sale.
Across the Island normal Policing will remain uneffected.
Chief Superintendent Dave Hardcastle said:
“The safety and security of people elsewhere on the Isle of Wight remains an equally essential priority for local policing. Our response to emergencies, crime and disorder across the rest of the island will be the same. Anyone should call 999 in an emergency as usual.
“In Newport, extra high-visibility patrols will again be focused on the Fairlee Road area and surrounding side roads to provide reassurance and responses to any concerns raised by residents. They can call on the services of their regular officers and PCSOs from the local Newport Safer Neighbourhoods team (SNT).
“A mobile police office will be parked on the grass verge at the junction of Fairlee Road and Seaclose Park tennis courts. We’ll be there between midday and 20:00 on all four days between Thursday and Sunday”.
To report a crime, dial 999 in an emergency, or 101 for non-emergencies. Mini-Com users can call the police on 18001 101. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
Photograph: @HantsPolRoads/Twitter
