Crime at T in Park up again

Crimes recorded at T in the Park rose for the third consecutive year in 2016.

Figures released by Police Scotland show that there were 530 offences recorded in 2016 – up from 510 in 2015 and 485 in 2014.

Two 17-year-olds died from suspected drug abuse at the 2016 festival at Strathallan Castle in Perthshire, and police figures show offences involving illegal substances increased dramatically last year.

In 2016, there were 359 drug possession crimes – up 34% from 266 in 2015. Meanwhile, 22 people were reported for supplying drugs at the festival, up from 10 in 2015.

Organisers DF Concerts has announced that T in the Park is taking a break this year because of “a series of onerous site restrictions”.

Strathallan councillor Tom Gray said if it was ever to return to the area, an age restriction would decrease the number of crimes committed.

He said: “There are too many access points for such a large site and I think it was beyond the control of the organisers to keep drugs out.

Thefts decreased from 144 in 2015 to 95 last year – a fall of 34% – and there were no serious assaults recorded in 2016, compared with six in 2015.

A spokesman for DF Concerts said: “We have always had a zero-tolerance policy towards drugs.”