Police are to provide additional patrols during this year’s Cowes Week – which starts on Saturday – to help to keep crime levels low.
Tens of thousands of people are expected to attend the annual sailing event and Police are working closely with regatta organisers, security staff and fellow emergency services, to ensure that everyone is safe, both on water and land.
Local Safer Neighbourhoods Teams will maintain a highly visible presence with increased foot and cycle patrols in Cowes, and Hampshire Constabulary’s Marine Unit will be on patrol in the Solent.
The extra officers will provide community reassurance and a swift response to any problems reported during this busy week. Specialist officers in partnership with staff from Isle of Wight Council will also carry out checks at licensed premises in Cowes. Levels of policing elsewhere on the Island will not be affected during the regatta.
Although crime levels remained low at the regatta in 2013, they had increased on previous years with more section 27 notices issued by officers to tackle alcohol-related crime. In 2013 the number of assaults reported to police in Cowes during the event had fallen.
Police also welcome the presence of ‘Street Pastors’ during Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week for another successive year. Street Pastors are independent and do not work for the police, but their presence and contact with people on the street assists in preventing and calming situations where there is the potential for crime and disorder.
Sergeant Gary Knight from the Cowes Safer Neighbourhood team said:
“Cowes Week is a highlight in the Island’s calendar and we will continue to work to maintain the low levels of crime reported at the event in recent years.
Article continues below this advertisement “Crime prevention advice is key to stopping opportunistic thieves from taking advantage of the regatta. Please remember to be vigilant and look after your belongings. Remember to keep any valuables, such as petrol supplies or navigation equipment, in secure places out of sight. I’d also ask boat owners to clearly label items to prevent theft and avoid unnecessary alerts over suspicious unidentified packages
“We will be carrying out extra patrols to prevent any anti-social behaviour or alcohol-related crime. Specialist officers will also be helping to undertake licensing checks in pubs and clubs to prevent under-age drinking.”
Hampshire Constabulary has the following advice for people attending Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week:
- Stay hydrated; don’t drink too much alcohol during the warm weather.
- Keep your possessions on you where possible, and make sure you know where valuables like your phone are at all times.
- Don’t leave bags and unmarked items unattended to prevent unnecessary alerts over suspicious unidentified packages.
- Look out for the welfare of your crews and friends during the regatta.
If you have any concerns during Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week you can contact police by calling 101, or in an emergency dialling 999. You can also call the charity Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.
