Police chiefs are hailing this year’s Bestival event one of the safest yet after a successful four-day policing operation.

The event was attended by more than 40,000 people, and there were just six minor assaults reported during this time, 38 reported thefts from tents, seven thefts from a person and one criminal damage.

Two people were arrested for assault, three for thefts from tents, three for thefts of wristbands, one for theft of tickets, three others for theft, two for robbery offences, two for criminal damage and three for being drunk and disorderly.

“Yet again this year, the Bestival is maintaining its deserved reputation for being a safe and peaceful event, with no significant incidents and low levels of crime throughout,” said Chief Superintendent Dave Thomas.

This year, officers operated a larger team of searchers as part the festival’s drugs denial strategy, with a total of 944 searches conducted on those entering site gates at the Robin Hill Country Park. 

This represents a more than 40 per cent increase on the number of searches carried out at last year’s event.

Passive drugs dogs were based at entrance gates, and officers searched individuals on the basis of a positive indication or specific intelligence.

The number of positive searches this year was 323, and a total of 26 people were arrested for possession with intent to supply.

The total arrested last year was 18, from 522 searches. 135 people were given street bail for possession of drugs, and 133 warnings were issued for possession of cannabis.

The total value of drugs seized this year was £153,841, an increase of nearly £50,000 from last year, and this was proportionate to the increased number of searches and positive searches.

Chief Supt Thomas said: 

“The increase in drugs seized and arrests represent an increase in the size of the drugs operation and demonstrates our determination to rid the event of illegal drug use and those that come to Bestival to deal.

“By working closely with the promoters, our partner agencies and experienced qualified security staff, the event passed as peacefully as possible, and we are very pleased with the results.

“Our crime prevention lanyards in particular proved very popular, with all 10,000 being snapped up within hours – and the important messages to help festival goers reduce their chances of becoming victims of crime seem to have been successful.

“The local community also benefited from extra officers on foot and cycle patrols outside the event, and the feedback so far from all has been positive. We look forward to next year’s event.”