Stay safe over Bank Holiday weekend
Devon and Cornwall Police is preparing for a busy May Bank Holiday weekend with an expected influx in visitors and a number of large public events taking place.
The Force is running Operation Cosmos from Friday to Monday (23-26 May) to respond to additional demands placed upon policing the region.
The operation will co-ordinate policing activity for organised events such as Devon County Show and Run to the Sun in Newquay, while ensuring that the Force maintains its high level of policing service for the public.
Detective Superintendent Glen Mayhew, Force Director of Intelligence, said: “The late May Bank Holiday has tradtionally provided a challenge for the policing of Devon and Cornwall. The high volume of visitors combined with the number of organised events places a significantly increased demand on policing, the strategic road network and public infrastructure."
The Force has planned for each large-scale public event to ensure an effective and appropriate policing response. Local policing teams will be patrolling and visiting community events and will provide a visible presence across Devon and Cornwall.
They will deal positively with antisocial behaviour and crime-related disorder and the Force will focus on minimizing disruption to the region’s road network at peak times.
Once again the Force will be running Operation Derig to take a tough stance on rave goers and organisers due to the increased likelihood of an illegal event over the weekend.
DS Mayhew said: “Historically a number illegal raves and unlicensed music events have been held over Bank Holidays. These events are illegal and will not be tolerated. These types of unregulated events are not only dangerous to those attending but cause disruption to people who live nearby.
“We will take positive action regarding criminal activity and identify and target organisers. We can seize any equipment associated with the activity and take positive action against those suspected of offences such as drink driving and drug possession.”
In Newquay, hundreds are expected to visit the Run to the Sun festival which takes place between 23 and 26 May. Local officers will be enforcing the Designated Public Place Order which regulates public drinking, will actively seize alcohol from those behaving inappropriately and will continue to work with the town’s pubs and nightclubs to challenge underage drinking.
housands of visitors are expected to Devon County Show for its three-day run and police are urging the public to plan extra time for their journey or avoid Junction 30 of the M5 at peak times if travelling to Exeter for other reasons.
“Many people will be visiting the region for this weekend and the roads will be busy; we would ask people to be patient and allow extra time for their journey, particularly if travelling to large events such as Devon County Show, Run to the Sun in Newquay and Volkfest in Plymouth,” added DS Mayhew.
“This is expected to be a very busy weekend where positive policing action will be used. We would remind people who are intent on being badly behaved that they will be dealt with by officers and where appropriate will be arrested for their behaviour. This is not about ruining people’s fun but ensuring that everyone has an enjoyable and safe time in the region over Bank Holiday weekend.”
If you are attending a large event you click here for information about staying safe. If you need information relating to noise, road closures or parking please contact your local council.
Follow live traffic updates at: http://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/Traffic/Pages/TrafficUpdates.aspx
