VIDEO: Norfolk police issue personal safety warning ahead of Sundown Festival

As some of the music industry’s biggest chart acts head to the Sundown Festival at the Norfolk Showground this weekend, police are calling on revellers to make their own personal safety number one.

Around 40,000 people are expected to visit the two-day festival with around 10,000 camping over the weekend from Friday night.

Revellers are being urged to make sure they keep their personal belongings safe and to also behave responsibly.

Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Armes, said: “Sundown is a fantastic event for Norfolk and is becoming more popular every year, but whilst it is enjoyable, it does allow criminals to take advantage of people whose guard is down.

“We want people to have fun and enjoy the acts on stage but it is important people keep a close eye on their personal belongings, such as wallets, cameras and mobile phones and not become victim to thieves.

“My advice is to take sensible precautions, keep belongings close-by and stay aware of your surroundings. Where possible, make sure your mobile phone is fitted with a tracking device or app, which can help police locate stolen property.”

As well as festival-goers protecting themselves from thieves, they are also being reminded to be sensible when it comes to drinking alcohol and warned about the dangers of taking illegal substances and so-called ‘legal highs’.

Det Ch Insp Armes added: “We would advise anyone drinking alcohol at the festival to be sensible, know your limits and to stay with friends. Officers will also be monitoring alcohol sales to ensure there is no underage drinking. Anyone found to be drinking alcohol underage could be asked to leave the event.

“I would like to remind festival-goers that illegal drugs and so-called ‘legal highs’ will not be tolerated at this event. People who take part in this type of behaviour are taking serious risks with their lives; often they do not know what they are taking and the drugs may contain harmful substances. People will be searched on entry to the site and anyone found in possession of illegal drugs or legal highs will be ejected from the festival and may face police action.”

A mobile police pod, stationed just inside the pedestrian access on the Dereham Gate, will be open all day on Saturday and Sunday with officers to deal with lost/stolen property and other crime matters.

Crime prevention leaflets will also be handed out to campers arriving on site on Friday.

Other safety tips for festival goers include:

· Stick with friends and don’t walk alone in darkness

· If you travel by car make sure no valuables are left inside and that it’s properly locked and secure.

· Plan you weekend ahead and know how you are getting to and from the event