Extra officers recruited to police Planetlove
Thursday, 28 August 2008
Simon Walls: ‘new dimension.’
EXTRA officers are being recruited to help police an annual dance music festival in Antrim following the 11 arrests at last year's concert.
A large crowd is expected to attend Planetlove over the weekend of September 5-6 and police in Antrim are liaising closely with the event organisers to ensure it is policed appropriately.
Police are keen that the event goes ahead with as little disruption to the local community as possible and have advised residents to avoid the festival area where they can.
Uniformed officers will be present inside the Shane's Castle site for its duration and any festival-goers found to be engaging in illegal activity will be dealt with 'robustly'.
A number of traffic calming measures have also been taken for this year's show, one of which allows buses into the festival site for the first time rather than dropping music fans off in Antrim town.
In addition to the 11 arrests last year, which ranged from drink related to traffic offences, a further 13 crimes were reported in the area.
Many councillors in Antrim have raised concerns over the festival, now in its 10th year, since the announcement that this year's event would include camping over three days.
Antrim Area Commander, Chief Inspector Simon Walls, admitted this year's festival-style event added a new 'dimension' to policing from previous years.
“We have an experience of policing the event but people camping on site adds a new dimension," he said.
“We have recruited extra officers from the surrounding districts and urban regions to help police the event."
However, police are keen that those in attendance enjoy themselves in a safe and responsible manner.
Chief Inspector Walls said: "The key message we are trying to put across is enjoy the event and behave in a responsible way. Look after your own personal safety, your belongings and respect other people.
“And if you are going to drink, then do so safely."
