The officer in charge of policing at Scotland’s biggest music festival has given his assurances that people’s safety and security is top priority.
In the 17 years since it began, T in the Park has become one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the summer.
Well over 85,000 music fans from across the world will descend on Balado next weekend, with more than 70,000 taking advantage of the camping facilities.
Tayside Police worked closely with other organisations in the planning stages and officers have been assigned their own beats for the weekend to ensure they are visible to festival-goers in the arena and campsites.Campsites will be patrolled 24 hours a day.
Plain clothes officers and specialist drugs dogs will be on site to re-inforce the festival’s zero tolerance approach to illegal drugs and so-called “legal highs.”
After complaints from the Kinross-shire community about the behaviour of a small number of revellers over the past few years, a Citizen T initiative has been set up to encourage people to look after their camping area, bin all litter and respect the surrounding towns and villages on their way to and from the festival.
Chief Superintendent Craig Suttie said, “We share the expectation and anticipation of the music fans that migrate into the Kinross area for one weekend each July, because we look forward to and are happy to host T in the Park in our force area each summer.
“We will continue to work closely with the organisers to try and ensure that the event is a success and runs seamlessly, not just for those at the festival but for residents living in the surrounding area.
“Along with the event organisers, we have undertaken significant community liaison in the run up to this year’s festival and I am pleased to report that feedback from the local communities has been positive again this year.
“I would appeal to everyone who is coming to T in the Park to enjoy the occasion, take care of themselves and their friends and help us to provide a safe environment for everyone to revel in what is an outstanding event.
Mr Suttie urged people to pack for all weather conditions.
He continued, “Before they arrive people should plan their trip to T in the Park, whether it is for one day only or for the weekend’s duration.
“Revellers should bring only what they need but be prepared for all eventualities.”
People who need medication should bring it, with a note of the medication just in case they lose it.
Mr Suttie also advised campers to bring only essentials with them and leave valuables at home.
Last year the force received reports of 138 thefts at the festival 70 in the main arena, 59 in the campsites, and the remaining nine in other areas of the site.
He said, “The very nature of camping at any music festival means you have to be very aware of where your things are, and you can’t put a lock on a tent.
“So taking care of your personal possessions takes on even greater importance.
“The more you leave safely at home, the less you have to worry about.
“For example, you don’t need to bring all your credit cards, MP3 players, or anything else which may be attractive to thieves.”
He encouraged people to be good citizens, saying, “The T in the Park crowd is known for being the best spirited and most passionate in the world, and you can make a difference in some of the areas where we know that you would like to see change, such as litter and tent re-use.”
Traffic management plans, put in place following T in the Park 2007, proved a success last year and the plans have been further enhanced for next weekend.
Motorists are advised to look at the dedicated information on Traffic Scotland website prior to the weekend.
People will also be able to obtain information from the official T in the Park and Tayside Police websites www.tinthe-park.com and www.tayside.police.uk.