A dedicated policing plan is in place to ensure residents and visitors stay safe on the Isle of Wight during this year’s Festival, which gets underway tomorrow (Thursday).
Hampshire Constabulary is maintaining its close co-operation with festival organisers, Solo, and partner agencies to keep crime as low as possible.
In light of recent events across the UK, a heightened police presence will be noticeable at the event itself and in the surrounding areas. Hampshire Constabulary say they have reviewed, and will continue to review, security plans and capability around all pre-planned events taking place in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight in the coming weeks.
Police are urging the public to be alert but not alarmed and to remain vigilant, reporting any suspicious behaviour or activity to police, in confidence on 0800 789 321, or online at www.gov.uk/ACT. In an emergency, members of the public should always call 999.
Hampshire Constabulary’s Isle of Wight Festival police commander, Superintendent Simon Dodds, said:
“For more than 15 years, the Isle of Wight Festival has maintained a reputation for having low levels of crime and a friendly atmosphere which continues to attract visitors every summer.
“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.
“As in previous years, police will be patrolling the site in partnership with security staff to ensure a safer environment for members of the public enjoying the festival.”
Article continues below this advertisement
Festival revellers are being warned that psychoactive substances, formally known as ‘legal highs’, remain prohibited at the festival. Their sales are not only banned under the conditions of the event licence, but production and sale is now illegal under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016. If reports of any sales arise, festival organisers and police will take action to stop them. Substances such as Nitrous Oxide – known more commonly as “Laughing Gas” or “NOS” – fall into this category.
Superintendent Dodds continued:
“The Isle of Wight Festival organisers are retaining a clear and tough stance against illegal drugs. Their use and sale will not be condoned or tolerated at the festival, and people suspected of carrying and supplying illegal drugs will be searched and arrested where necessary.
“Police officers and security staff will be targeting those involved in the supply and possession of illegal substances and will take robust action when necessary. You could be arrested, or lose your festival ticket and be banned from the site for the remainder of the weekend.”
It’s not just the Festival site that will see an increased Police presence, but the Island’s roads will also be a key part of the Policing plan.
Hampshire Constabulary’s Roads Policing Unit (RPU) Inspector Steve Wakeford said:
“Teamwork involving all agencies is a crucial part of ensuring the safety of island residents and visitors on the roads during festival season, and we will be supporting our partners’ traffic management plan.
“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.
“Throughout the festival, roads policing officers will also be carrying out anti- drink and drug driving operations around the island as part of the summer impairment campaign.
“Our officers will be taking a robust approach to dealing with any motorists thought to be putting lives at risk.”
Speaking about Policing on the Island in general during the Festival period, Superintendent Simon Dodds 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).”
Councillor Dave Stewart, leader of the Isle of Wight Council, has said:
“I would like to reassure Islanders and the many visitors that we are looking forward to welcoming to the Island over festival weekend, that effective plans are in place for the event to run safely and securely.
“The council is continuing to work together with our partners in the Police, event organisers and others, and I would urge people to remain alert but not alarmed.
“I am pleased that a heightened Police presence will be seen on the ground throughout the event, which I’m sure will help to further reassure the public.”
