MORE than 150 festival goers were arrested at Creamfields this weekend as a result of a major policing operation.
Tens of thousands descended on the Warrington area to enjoy a weekend of music at the dance festival in Daresbury.
While the majority of festival goers enjoyed the weekend safely and within the law, there were still some who took their chances and attempted to bring drugs onto the site – despite repeated warnings not to.
Following months of careful planning, officers managed to stop more than 130 people from supplying drugs to festival goers.
The weekend saw 153 arrests, of which 131 were related to drug supply offences. Other arrests included weapon possession, violence and those wanted for other outstanding offences.
Inspector Mark Gammage, who led planning of the policing operation said: “This year Creamfields was a sell-out, which saw extremely high numbers of people turn up to the Daresbury site. It was vital that as part of the operation, we had the right staff in the right places to ensure festival goers had a good time, and did so safely.
“This year we worked really hard to ensure attendees were fully aware of the consequences they could face if they brought illegal drugs onto site. They were also given every opportunity to use the surrender bins to dispose of any drugs or weapons before going through the search process.
“We are encouraged that the surrender bins were filled more than in previous years, which suggests that festival goers listened to our advice, and were well informed that it was just not worth the risk. There were some people, however, who still thought they could get away with bringing drugs to the festival – and we actually made more arrests this year than in previous years.
“Once again we are able to look back on a successful event from a policing perspective, which would not have been possible without the help and co-operation between the organisers and other partners.
Police and Crime Commissioner, David Keane said: “Creamfields is one of the biggest events of its kind in the country, and I understand the impact that the event can have on local residents, as well as the challenges faced of policing such a large festival”.
“The policing operation was a great success, and as a result of careful planning and the commitment shown by officers and other partners, we were able to keep some of the disruption caused by the event to a minimum, and ensure those who thought they were above the law to face the consequences of their actions.”
Seized by police at the Creamfields festival
