Reduction in crime at Isle of Wight festival

Hampshire police said the number of offences over four days at the Isle of Wight Festival was 85 this year – down from 117 in 2015 and 124 the year prior to that.

And the policing commander said there was little evidence of people using legal highs and no-one was arrested in connection with the now-banned drugs.

Festival policing commander Chief Inspector Simon Dodds said: ‘This year’s Isle of Wight Festival has been a low-crime and safe event thanks to the good-natured attitude of the vast majority of festival-goers.

‘Working closely with partner agencies and organisers through the event’s Safety Advisory Group is vital to ensure a successful operation; the outcome we’ve achieved together has been one which has helped keep both festival-goers and local residents safe.

‘Following new legislation surrounding so-called legal highs, I am also pleased to say there was very little evidence of their use at the festival and no related arrests.’

During the festival police revealed several men had been arrested in connection with thefts from tents.

A police spokeswoman added a ‘detailed’ police operation had been put in place.