Glastonbury Festival crime highest for five years

United Kingdom | | 14 October 2008

This year's Glastonbury Festival suffered its worst spate of crime since 2003, police figures have revealed.

751 crimes were reported in 2008, a figure up from 422 in 2007, which also included two rapes – the highest number recorded since 2000.

Police have suggested that the good weather and slow ticket sales may have had an impact on the increased crime rate, with touts selling tickets to organised gangs at the gate.

However the festival introduced strict anti-touting measures that meant fans had to produce photo ID at the gate, which matched up with the photograph that was printed on their ticket.

Arrests at the festival were up to 199 from 183 in 2007.

Among the reported crimes there were 412 thefts, 177 drug offences and 110 pick pocketing incident.