Police remind public about festival safety

50,000 people expected at Boardmasters this weekend

For the first time since the pandemic began, Boardmasters is taking place in Cornwall.

Up to 50,000 people are expected to flock to the Newquay coast this weekend and Devon and Cornwall Police are on hand to help the organisers ensure it runs smoothly and to minimise crime.

Chief Inspector Brent Ireland, from Devon & Cornwall Police, said: “We will be deploying additional patrols to Newquay over the coming week, as the Duchy’s largest event, Boardmasters, starts. 

“This is the first large event in Cornwall since the national restrictions were lifted and our aim is to make it a safe and enjoyable event for everyone. We are also working closely with partners and organisers to ensure the event is following government guidance around Covid 19.”

“To help make sure it runs smoothly, we will have additional patrols in Newquay town centre throughout the event and a visible presence on the festival site itself.  Newquay Police Station front counter will be open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am - 4pm.  In addition, we will deploy dedicated armed officers in and around Newquay, traffic cars and traffic motorcyclists, all to keep residents and visitors safe. 

“This is one of our busiest weeks of the year in Cornwall and we ask that everyone takes responsibility for their safety – if you are attending the event please don’t leave valuables such as mobile telephones unattended, or in unoccupied tents.  Please take care of your friends and family during this busy time.”

The police are giving the public crime prevention advice. They say:

• Never leave your drink unattended. Even soft drinks can be spiked with drugs or alcohol.
• If you are concerned for your safety contact the nearest steward, security staff, police officer or go to one of the festival’s welfare tents which are located in the main arena and campsite.
• Don’t leave anything valuable in your tent – there are a number of thefts of laptops and smart phones from tents every year.  Check your car daily and leave your glove compartment empty and open.
• Try and keep your phone, cash and cards on you, even at night.  All traders on-site accept cards, so there is no need to bring a large quantity of cash to the festival.
• If you are a victim of crime, contact on-site police or festival security immediately.
• Respect, protect, enjoy – that is the message from the police and partners this year. Please help us protect the environment by taking home your litter and avoid the use of campfires and barbeques in areas that are at risk of wildfire.
• Take the ‘anti’ away from anti-social. Please drink responsibly and put your safety and the safety of others first. Your dream might be someone else’s nightmare. Be considerate of others around you. Shouting, swearing and loud music may cause fear and distress to others. If you need help and advice but aren’t sure who to contact then AskNED, the non-emergency online directory – dc.police.uk/askned
• Remember, sex without consent is rape. No ifs, no buts, no excuses.  There is no consent if an agreement has been forced or coerced and not given freely, or if a person is impaired through drink, drugs or is not conscious. If you need help and advice visit: dc.police.uk/consent
• To report a non-emergency online visit dc.police.uk to access our online channels – WebChat, Report Crime Online and Email 101.  Alternatively, call 101 – our non-emergency number.  In an emergency always dial 999.

For more information on festival safety go to: dc.police.uk/festivals

Festival Safe also have a collection of guides for festivalgoers to help you stay safe and have a good time. Go to festivalsafe.com