Police and partner agencies are welcoming the safe and responsible behaviour of the majority of people who attended the Cowes Week sailing regatta.
One of Hampshire Constabulary’s new Assistant Chief Constables, Steve Dann, joined local officers on patrol during fireworks night on Friday, August 7 to support the force’s campaign to prevent and reduce anti-social behaviour during the summer.
Hampshire Constabulary’s Isle of Wight Deputy Commander, Superintendent Norman Mellors said: “There were no major incidents reported during the regatta, which retained its reputation as a vibrant, friendly event for visitors both on land and sea. Crime in the Cowes area between August 1 and 10 was down from 70 incidents in 2008 to 64 in 2009. Officers used legal powers to ban potential troublemakers from Cowes when they appeared at risk of causing crime that could have escalated later in the evening.”
Hampshire Constabulary’s Isle of Wight Licensing Sergeant Mark Voller said: “We found licence holders and door staff did an excellent job generally in managing their premises and preventing incidents. For example, most bars served drinks in plastic containers rather than glass; a practical measure that helps prevents serious injury. We saw that bar managers and door staff were vigilant, stepping in quickly to prevent and defuse situations. Police noticed a couple of minor breaches of licensing law and examples of weak bar supervision, but these were certainly the exception. We pointed those responsible in the right direction and were pleased to see the mistakes were not repeated.”