Police praise event despite 137 arrests

POLICE made nearly 140 arrests during this year’s Creamfields festival. Over the course of the Daresbury event, a Cheshire police spokesman said that officers arrested 137 people, the majority of which were related to drug supply offences.

Other offences included weapon possession, assault and those wanted for other outstanding offences.

Overall, the spokesman said that 287 crimes were reported to officers, including thefts, assault and drugs offences, and will be investigated over the coming weeks.

Despite the arrests, police have thanked organisers, partners, attendees and residents for their co-operation during a ‘successful’ festival.

The spokesman said that a ‘tight policing operation’ relied on working closely with event organisers and that an ‘effective policing strategy’ helped ensure that the 70,000 people who attended were able to have an enjoyable weekend.

Inspector Stewart Sheer, who led the planning of the policing operation at Creamfields, said: “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.

“I must also thank all of the officers who policed this year’s festival for their continued hard work, along with the officers and staff who have assisted with the planning of this year’s event.”

Plans were put in place in conjunction with the organisers, the councils in Halton and Warrington, and other agencies, as well as consultation with residents.

The police operation started on Thursday, August 25, with the majority of festival-goers heading to the site on Friday and Saturday morning.

Searches were a condition of entry and festival goers were asked to place any drugs or weapons in the bins provided at the entrance to the event arena.

Anyone found with drugs or weapons, having not placed them into the bins, were dealt with by police.

Within the site, officers carried out tasks including dealing with any incidents of crime and disorder, regularly patrolling the campsite to provide reassurance to campers and to deter thieves, and supporting security staff.

Externally, officers were involved with traffic management and policing the area that surrounds the site.

Cheshire Police And Crime Commissioner David Keane said: “Creamfields is one of the biggest events in Cheshire, and I understand the impact that the event can have on local residents.

“I would like to thank members of the community for their co-operation and understanding prior to and throughout the event.

“I would also like to thank all of the officers, staff and volunteers who helped to police the event for the dedication that they have shown.”