June 29, 2002 14:59

GLASTO SECURITY GUARDS ARRESTED

Police arrest guards after they allegedly rob four would-be festival goers...

Three security guards have been arrested after allegedly robbing four would-be festivalgoers just outside the Glastonbury perimeter in the early hours of this morning (June 29).

The three have been taken to a local police station for questioning, police told NME.COM today, though they would not go into specifics about the alleged incident.

There have been 104 arrests in total to date and 221 crimes reported, a marked decrease to the 682 at this point in 2000. There have also been 80 drugs seizures. Officials say the variety of drugs taken were across the board, though no heroin.

Police have also been at pains to play down reports of trouble just outside the fence. There have been reports of gangs prowling, mugging people and stealing tickets.

"It’s been exaggerated," a spokesperson said. "There have been a few little skirmishes but nothing of note. There are organised gangs working, but we have brought in extra officers, dogs and horses. We are giving them a hard time and making life very difficult for them."

Organisers say they are "very pleased" with the drop in crime figures.