Advice from Tayside Police for T in the Park’ers, but useful for anyone going to a festival this summer!

 T in the Park 2011 – Advice for Festival Goers

Looking ahead to July 7 to 11 and T in the Park 2011, Tayside Police offers revellers the following advice via their top ten T in the Park tips

1. LOOK AFTER YOURSELF

If you are going to T in the Park – enjoy yourself. Stick with friends and people you trust. Don’t wander off on your own – remember T in the Park hosts tens of thousands of people over one weekend with a campsite that caters for 70,000. It is a big place so, if you do get lost, ask a police officers or a steward for advice, or head to a Help Point. On arrival campers should take the opportunity to have a good look around the area where they pitch their tent, remember the zone they are in and where their tent is pitched 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 is to not bring it in the first place. Bring only what you need.

3. DON’T MAKE IT EASY FOR A THIEF

Any large gathering of people may attract a very small minority of individuals seeking to take advantage of others to commit crime, so look after the property you do bring. 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 YOUR 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. Doing so can prevent someone else using your phone.

5. BE AWARE OF PICKPOCKETS

Only carry the amount of cash that you need. Don’t keep cash, cards and belongings in one place. Spread them around your pockets and clothing and only take credit cards if you need them. Note details of credit cards and leave those details at home where you can phone if cards are lost or stolen. There are ATMs on site. When using them, be aware of who is around you and nearby and put your card and cash away as soon as possible. Do not store pin numbers on your mobile phone in case it is stolen along with any cards.

6. DON’T USE TICKET TOUTS

TITP tickets are valuable, so think carefully about where you keep them and do not flash them about. Overnight, keep them with you in your sleeping bag. 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. All tickets will be checked when you try to enter the main site.

7. LEAVE NOTHING ON DISPLAY IN YOUR CAR

Lock and completely empty the inside of your vehicle, leaving the glove compartment open and empty. T in the Park is easy to get to, with plenty of signage to guide you to the festival from every direction. If you must bring a ‘sat nav’ device, remove it once you have parked and also remove its cradle or window sucker and ensure that any sucker marks are wiped from the windscreen.

8. TELL A POLICE OFFICER OR STEWARD

Always report any incident, no matter how big or small to security staff or the police as they are there to help. By reporting incidents you can help to prevent crime. If you are unable to contact a police officer or steward in person, please us the following numbers –

In an emergency call 999

In a non-emergency call 0300 111 2222, or of you want to pass CONFIDENTIAL information ANONYMOUSLY, call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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, or if you have had something stolen visit the Police compound in the campsite to report it. Alternatively call 0300 111 2222.

10. BE PREPARED

We hope this year’s festival will bring sunshine, but it is important to remember that the weather in Scotland can change very quickly. It is important to bring appropriate clothing for all weathers with you… and don’t forget your sunscreen.

ALSO… for those who have enjoyed the T in the Park experience before – don’t assume you know your way around the event site. As has happened in previous years, there have been some changes to the venue lay-out for 2011 – including improved access from the campsite to the arena.

Don’t take it for granted that you instantly have your bearings on arrival. Take time to familiarise yourself with surroundings and remember things can look much different at night than they do in broad daylight. Don’t be afraid to ask. Speak with the police, stewards and staff. They are there to help.

AND FINALLY… follow Tayside Police on Twitter @taysidepolice and join us at www.facebook.com/taysidepolice 

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