Thousands of partygoers attending a major music festival have been told act responsibly by police in a bid the minimise crime and disorder at the event.
Essex Police said it had built a “robust security plan” ahead of the RiZe Festival on August 17 and 18 in Chelmsford later this month, which includes intelligence checks to disrupt potential drug activity and disorder as well as plans to counter anti-social behaviour.
The event at Hylands Park, which is expected to attract 34,000 people and is headlined by the Stereophonics and Liam Gallagher, will also include roads policing operations to catch any potential drug or drink drivers.
Ch Supt Rachel Nolan, from Essex Police - which will have a small hub within the venue to detain any troublemakers - said: “A new festival brings new opportunities and we’re excited that an event like RiZe Festival is taking place in our county.
“With any large event, we have well-rehearsed policing plans in place to ensure you have a safe festival.
“Our preparations have included assessing the level of risk around crime and disorder which could occur.
“We’ve worked with partners to be satisfied that Festival Republic has a robust security plan in place to ensure the highest standards of public safety.
“We will also have additional police officers working that weekend to respond and deal with the unlikely event of a major incident.
“We want people going to the festival to enjoy themselves, look out for one another and be safe. We also want to remind people who are determined to spoil this festival for others that you will be detained and brought into custody.”
People have been urged not to walk around with valuable items on show or leave them on display in any vehicles they bring to the site.
They have also been advised not to leave valuables unattended.
Those who experience crime at the festival or see something of concern should approach a member of the security team or report the crime online at www.essex.police.uk/doitonlineAlternatively people can Essex Police on 101 or in an emergency dial 999.
For more information, visit www.essex.police.uk/advice/rize-festival/ or rizefestival.co.uk/info/
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here