Crime

Police plan for family friendly weekend

Coventry Police support the Godiva Festival every year and 2011 looks set to be another successful year with local neighbourhood officers, special constables and dedicated licensing officers all on hand to ensure a safe, fun event for all the family.

In partnership with Coventry City Council, the police work closely with event stewards to implement restrictions on drinking alcohol in the War Memorial Park over the course of the three-day festival.

The city of Coventry is covered by a Designated Public Places Order (DPPO) which means that it is an offence to drink alcohol on unlicensed premises in an open public space, including parks.

Members of the public are asked not to bring their own alcohol to the festival or drink in the family areas of the park. Alcohol can be purchased from an on-site licensed bar and consumed within a designated area. Alcohol can’t be taken into or out of this fenced area.

The DPPO gives officers the power to remove alcohol from an individual. They are also able to enforce a £50 fine for over-16s where appropriate, or a £30 fine for juveniles aged between 10 and 15.

Chief Inspector Kerry Blakeman, heading up the policing operation for the event, said: “The Godiva Festival is a fantastic event for the city that we want people of all ages to be able to enjoy and we’ll be there throughout to tackle any crime or anti-social behaviour if it comes up.

“Our main message is that if you bring your own alcohol to the festival, you will be asked to surrender it, possibly be refused entry to the music tents and risk missing out on seeing your favourite band.”

Chief Inspector Kerry Blakeman (www.twitter.com/kerryblakeman) and Inspector Orencas (www.twitter.com/Coventry_Police) will be tweeting live throughout the festival, keeping residents and festival-goers up-to-date with all the latest information.

Please remember:

  • Don’t bring your own alcohol to the festival as it will be confiscated and you could face a fine
  • If you’re bringing a vehicle, park it sensibly, considerately and legally. And never drink and drive – alcohol and drugs directly affect your ability to drive
  • Stay with friends, look after your personal property and don’t bring anything with you that you can’t afford to lose
  • Consider residents living close to the park and keep noise to a minimum when you leave, especially later on in the evening.

In addition to high visibility patrols in the park and surrounding areas, officers will be available for advice at the community police van which will be stationed alongside the other stalls at the event. Prior to and during the festival, Earlsdon neighbourhood officers will also be visiting local off-licenses to raise awareness of the alcohol restrictions in place.

Chief Inspector Blakeman added: “We will be listening to members of the community regarding any concerns they have about crime or anti-social behaviour in the area and where possible, tailoring our approach to address these concerns.

“We are encouraging people living in the Earlsdon area to come and talk to us about the festival before, during or after the event.”

Residents can contact the Earlsdon neighbourhood team on 0345 113 5000 extension 7933 6414 or by email to earlsdon@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk

Visit www.coventrypolice.org.uk for crime prevention advice, local news and links to neighbourhood blogs and Twitter feeds. Follow Coventry Police on Facebook at www.facebook.com/coventrypolice and look out for photos and video from the event.