Independent festivals launch crime taskforce

The Association Of Independent Festivals (AIF), itself launched this summer to represent independent music festivals, has announced details of their first initiative - to launch a new security taskforce who will address the issue of tent thefts and campsite crime at festivals.

The new task force will maintain a constant presence at participating festivals, working with event security companies and police services throughout the UK to identify known thieves before they enter festival sites, and allowing festival organisers to share intelligence and target the gangs involved.

Jim King, director of Loud Sound and AIF boardmember, said in a statement: "Whilst still statistically low, thefts at UK festivals have to be addressed. Customer experience and safety is a most important part of the whole festival experience and we want to act to ensure that customers have a great time at our events without experiencing the upsetting scenario of being a victim of crime."

Speaking at the launch of the scheme, Rob da Bank, Bestival promoter and AIF co-founder said: "Tent theft at our festivals has always been very low, but any theft at all is really upsetting for the promoter and the people involved. This was one of the main reasons I wanted to set up AIF and I really believe we can make a difference with this initiative."

AIF anticipate that the new team will be ready and in place by March next year.