Police Issue Last-Minute Advice To Glastonbury Festival Goers

Last-minute advice is being offered to fans packing for the eagerly-awaited 2011 Glastonbury Festival.

Every year Avon and Somerset Police work closely with the festival organisers to ensure that festival-goers have a fun, hassle-free and crime-free festival.  This year police will be helping festival-goers stay safe through to the end of the festival by releasing crime stats, safety tips and news via Twitter, text messages and online.

Speaking ahead of the festival, Inspector Chris Morgan said, "The festival is almost here and, like us, I imagine festival-goers will be putting the finishing touches to their plans for the event."

He added, "People are going to have a great time at Glastonbury Festival and to help we are reminding people of the quick, easy and free steps people can take which contribute to what I am sure will be a fabulous experience.  Crime remains low and last year around 99.7% of festival-goers enjoyed a crime-free festival. By taking a few minutes to read our advice, people can help us keep crime down at the festival."

Police have issued the following advice to festival-goers:

On your way to Glastonbury:

• Before you set off, make sure your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition. Don't forget to check tyres, lights and all the bits and pieces under the bonnet
• Take out any items in your car that you will not need at Glastonbury. Items left in cars will make your vehicle attractive to thieves
• Plan your route before you set off.
• As you get near Glastonbury you will see official routes - please follow them and don't be tempted to find any shortcuts. Many local roads are closed and marshals will help enforce these.
• It's going to be a long journey so take plenty of food, water and other treats with you. The roads near the site will be busy so you need to be stocked up and prepared for queuing traffic.

Oh, and remember to register all your valuables on www.immobilise.com. It will help the Police to return any lost or stolen items to you more quickly.

When you arrive:

• Make sure you take everything out of your car and, no matter how excited you are about grabbing a prime camping position, remember to leave your car secure
• Try and set up camp near a landmark such as a tree or the corner of the field to help you find your tent when you come back after dark.
• Wherever you pitch your tent, take a moment to remember where in the camping field – whatever time you head to bed you don't want to waste time looking for your tent.
• Leave any valuables you have at the free property lock-ups. You can access your things at any time and can party on knowing your valuables are being looked after.

While you are there:

• Be discreet with any valuables you have on you and keep them securely in a pocket.  Experience shows that it's in big crowds and 'mosh pits' close to stages that the thieves are more likely to target you.
• Don't be tempted to use drugs. Whatever myths you might have heard, the law at Glastonbury is the same as everywhere else and police will act accordingly. If you are found to be in possession of drugs at the festival you face arrest and prosecution as well as eviction from the site.
• If you need to contact police at the festival the best thing to do is visit the 24-hour police station on site at the Festival. This is situated to the north of the festival site along with the other emergency services. Alternatively, speak to police officers when you see them patrolling the site. In an emergency you should always call 999.
• Stick with friends when you walk around the site – particularly after dark.

On your way home:

• We know you will be keen to beat the traffic but remember to check you haven't left anything behind before you leave your camping spot
• Check your car is roadworthy and especially visibility through the windows – during a hot festival the dust can get everywhere!
• Never drive home tired or under the influence of drugs.  It's just not worth the risk.
• The roads are going to busy so be prepared for queues – both out of the festival site and on the surrounding roads.

At the festival, you can stay up to date with news, views and features about the police operation at www.glastonburypolice.org, via Twitter @Policeatglasto and by signing up to text alerts by texting glasto to 81819. Stay safe and keep up to date on the latest Glastonbury news using our dedicated Glastonbury micro-site.