Cops get into the beat for T in The Park

Jul 10 2009 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

POLICE yesterday issued a ‘top ten’ of valuable hints to ensure festival-goers stay safe and healthy throughout T in the Park.

Since its maiden appearance 12 years ago, the Balado event has flourished into one of the most critically acclaimed, respected and anticipated summer music events.

Preparations for this year’s event started as soon as the last revellers left T 2008, an event that went smoothly following the introduction of new transport and parking arrangements in the wake of weather and security-induced roads chaos the year before.

Tayside Police’s top cop Chief Superintendent Craig Suttie told the PA that ensuring the safety of everyone within the T in the Park community is the force’s prime concern during the event.

To that end, easily visible officers are assigned their own festival beats, and they are prepared to receive questions and any concerns from people in the arena and campsite areas.

Ch Supt Suttie, who heads the overall policing operation for T in the Park, described T as “a real challenge”, and an event that sets the standard for other festivals across the world to follow.

“We share the expectation and anticipation of the music fans that migrate into the Kinross area for one weekend each July, because we look forward to and are happy to host T in the Park in our force area each summer,” he said yesterday.

“We work closely with the organisers to try and ensure that the event is a success and runs seamlessly, not just for those at the festival but for residents living in the surrounding area.

“Along with the event organisers, we have undertaken significant community liaison in the run up to this year’s festival and I am pleased to report that feedback from the local communities has again been positive.

“I would appeal to everyone who is coming to T in the Park to enjoy the occasion, take care of themselves and their friends, and help us to provide a safe environment for everyone to revel in what is an outstanding event.

“Before they arrive people should plan their trip to T in the Park, whether it is for one day only, or for the weekend’s duration.

“Revellers should bring only what they need but be prepared for all eventualities and weather conditions.”

Festival-goers are being advised to wear suitable clothing and shoes, and to pack waterproof clothing.

Campers should also take warm clothing as temperatures will drop overnight.

Anyone requiring medication should remember to bring it with them, along with a note of their prescription just in case they lose it.

The police are stressing that, as in previous years, they will not tolerate illegal drug use. Drug amnesty bins will be placed at campsite entrances, where people can dispose of any illegal substances without being excluded from the event or prosecuted.

A zero tolerance approach will prevail within the venue and anyone caught dealing or carrying drugs will be arrested.

Besides uniformed officers, plain clothes cops and specialist drugs dogs will be present.

Meanwhile, motorists are being advised to have a look at the Traffic Scotland website prior to leaving home as it has relevant and real-time information for those attending the festival.

The site can be accessed via www.trafficscotland.org/tinthepark and people will also be able to obtain information from the official T in the Park and Tayside Police websites.

Here’s the full top ten of tips for T-goers issued by Tayside Police:

1. Look After Yourself. Stick with friends and people you trust. Don’t wander off on your own, but if you do get lost, ask a police officers or a steward for advice, or head to a help point. Campers should have a good look around the area where they pitch their tent and remember the zone they are in as things may look completely different late at night.

2. Only Bring What You Need. The best way to ensure that you don’t lose something of value not to bring it in the first place.

3. Don’t Make It Easy for a Thief. Lockers are available at the camp site and can be booked in advance at tinthepark.com. Always secure any property left in your tent as best as possible. When sleeping, keep valuables with you in your sleeping bag.

4. Look after You Mobile Phone. More mobile phones are stolen than any other item of property. Note down your mobile phone provider details and the EMEI number of your phone (key in *#06# or look behind your battery) as you will need details if your phone is stolen.

5. Be Aware of Pickpockets. Only carry the amount of cash that you need. Don’t keep cash, cards and belongings in one place.

6. Don’t Use Ticket Touts. Don’t expect to purchase tickets when you arrive. Ticket touts will charge inflated prices and there is no guarantee that tickets from touts will be genuine.

7. Leave Nothing on Display in Your Car. Lock and completely empty the inside of your vehicle, leaving the glove compartment open and empty.

8. Tell a Police Officer or a Steward. Always report any incident, no matter how big or small to security staff or the police as they are there to help.

9. Think Ahead. If you can, mark you personal property as it will make it easier to identify and return if it is lost or stolen. If you lose something head to the lost property office in the arena or campsite.

10. Be Prepared. Bring clothing for all weathers, don’t forget sunscreen.