As in previous years, effective teamwork between the festival organisers, police and partner agencies has ensured the safety of festivalgoers at this year’s Isle of Wight Festival.
A detailed policing operation was implemented to safeguard everyone attending the festival, as well as the local Isle of Wight community, in what is one of the busiest weeks of the year for the Island. This year Police were confronted by the additional challenges which have affected forces nationwide in the wake of recent terror attacks in the UK. However, Hampshire Constabulary adjusted their policing response accordingly with feedback from members of the public hugely positive.
Initial figures from Hampshire Constabulary suggest that the number of overall offences during the 4-day Isle of Wight Festival 2017 were 41, compared to 85 last year (2016) and 117 in 2015. Further to this, 9 arrests were made.
Isle of Wight Festival policing commander Superintendent Simon Dodds said:
“For another year running, Isle of Wight Festival has proved to be a low-crime and safe event thanks to the good-natured attitude of the vast majority of attendees.
“The successful operation came together as a result of the close working relationship with partner agencies and organisers through the event’s Safety Advisory Group. We have together achieved the intended outcome – an event which has helped keep both festivalgoers and local island residents safe.
“The support we have received from members of the public this weekend has been overwhelming and everyone involved in this year’s operation has enjoyed meeting festivalgoers on site. The fact that the policing family and the public were able to communicate so well has made the experience all the more safe, reassuring and enjoyable for all.”
