Big Chill: Tent theft decreases

12:56pm Tuesday 5th August 2008

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THIS year's Big Chill saw a substantial decrease in thefts from tents.

Police said 34 incidents were recorded at this year's music festival in the grounds of Eastnor Castle, near Ledbury.

This compares with around 150 for the previous two years.

More than 35,000 people attended and police made 20 arrests for offences such as theft and possession of drugs, with minor drug offences being dealt with by caution or summons.

"What was pleasing this year was the large reduction in the recorded number of thefts from tents," said Acting Superintendent Sue Thomas.

"This was significantly due to the early arrest of a team of criminals from outside the county in the early stages of the festival, which prevented further thefts from being committed, and from the good work of officers and security staff throughout the event."

She added that overall the 40 officers on site each day encountered few problems.