Latitude festival crime toll revealed

Victoria Leggett

Thieves were out in force at this year's Latitude festival, according to figures released by police last night.

Campers began arriving for the event at Henham Park, Southwold, on Thursday and by 2pm on Friday, more than 80 thefts had been reported to officers.

In total, police received reports of more than 100 thefts during the course of the weekend's festivities - which is usually the total number of crimes reported in Beccles, Bungay, Halesworth and Southwold in a month.

A spokesman said: “Officers say they are disappointed with the number of crimes, especially following the increased security measures that were put in place by organisers after last year's event.”

On Monday, police were told of an assallt and theft at about midnight on Sunday. A man was approached by four youths, all in their teens and early 20s, who assaulted him and stole his wallet. Two of the robbers were described as white and one was of mixed race.

During the weekend, arrests were made in connection with drugs offences.

On Friday, two men - a 26-year-old and a 28-year-old, both from Manchester - were arrested on suspicion of theft. They have been released on bail and will return to Lowestoft police station on September 8.

Police worked closely with Latitude's organisers, Festival Republic, leading up to the festival to try to reduce the amount of crime and visitors were given advice on how to stay safe at the event.

The show's organisers told ticket holders not to bring valuables, like iPods, with them and lockers were available on site.

Police said they would now look at how to reduce the number of thefts at next year's event.

Last night, no one was available from the organisers to comment.

Anyone with information about any of the crimes should call 01473 613500.