24 Aug Forty-three arrests made during #VFestival
By Matthew C. Martino
Essex Police made 43 arrests and assisted with evicting 133 people over the weekend at V-Festival.
Of these, the majority were for drug related offences (27). Others include five on suspicion of assault, four for handling stolen goods, two for conspiracy to defraud, one for fraud, three for theft and one for failing to comply with direction to leave.
Policing Commander, Assistant Chief Constable Carl O’Malley, said: “This year we introduced Project Servator to the event and I’m really pleased with the overall success of the policing operation.
“The innovative tactics made the festival an uncomfortable environment for criminals to operate in and it’s something we’ll definitely adopt next year.
“This was the second year where a Public Space Protection Order was enforced to combat anti-social behaviour and use of psychoactive substances. As a result, 133 people were ejected from the festival sending out a clear message that these drugs are not tolerated.
“I want to thank all officers who worked extremely hard over the weekend and liaised closely with the organisers, security team and retailers to ensure festival-goers enjoyed a safe event. We look forward to V-Festival 2017.
