A dedicated policing operation is underway to keep crime levels low at the Cowes Week sailing regatta, one of the world’s largest sports and entertainment events.

Police on the Isle of Wight are co-operating closely with regatta organisers, security staff and fellow emergency services within the island’s Community Safety Partnership.

There are increased police foot and cycle patrols in Cowes to provide reassurance and a swift response to any problems reported. Hampshire Constabulary’s Marine Unit will be on patrols in the Solent.

Cowes Police Station, at the junction of Birmingham Road and Mill Hill Road, will be open to the public from 8.00am until 8.00pm from Friday, July 30 until Saturday, August 7 with Station Enquiry Officers (SEOs) on duty during these extended times.

Isle of Wight Police Operations Inspector Paul Savill said:

“There have been low levels of crime during Cowes Week regattas in recent years. Tens of thousands of people enjoy the occasion safely and responsibly, and we intend to reinforce our work with the community to maintain the regatta’s reputation as a vibrant, friendly festival, both on the water and land. Extra officers in Cowes means the level of policing across the rest of the island will not be affected so we can protect our commitment to tackling anti-social behaviour this summer.”

Isle of Wight Crime Prevention Officer Michala Bailey said: 

“Cowes Week is the kind of large event that can be targeted by opportunist thieves because they believe potential victims will be having a good time and less vigilant about possible risks. Please remember to look after your belongings and keep any valuables in secure places out of sight.”

Cowes Week last year was affected by a scam where purses were stolen from members of the public who later received cold calls from men falsely claiming to be bank security staff and police officers. The callers asked victims for their PIN number by making them believe this information was needed to examine and cancel the stolen credit or debit card. In one case, a woman disclosed her PIN number and lost £250 before her bank cancelled the stolen card.

Isle of Wight Crime Prevention Officer Michala Bailey said:

”The police do not need to know PIN numbers to investigate the loss or theft of cards, and the banks do not need this information to cancel stolen cards. The only person who needs to know the PIN number is the card’s rightful owner.”

Michala Bailey added: 

“I would ask sailors not to leave valuable items, such as petrol supplies and navigation equipment, unattended on board their vessels wherever possible. Boat owners should ensure their belongings are clearly labelled. This will help avoid unnecessary alerts over suspicious unidentified packages.”

Experienced specialist police officers are working alongside staff from Isle of Wight Council to carry out licensing checks at pubs and clubs in Cowes.

Police welcome the presence of ‘Street Pastors’ during Cowes Week for the second 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.