POLICE say they have put their boots on the ground to support a “safe and smooth-running” Boardmasters festival.

Police Commander, Superintendent Ben Asprey said: “We work closely with the event organisers and our partner agencies to make sure everyone attending has a great experience, while staying safe and to keep crime to a minimum.

“As part of our plans to safeguard festival goers and local residents, during the festival you’ll see officers within the site, extra patrols in Newquay town centre and on the beaches as well as Roads Policing Team out on the roads.

“Our Project Servator officers and police dogs have also been in the area in the lead up to the event to ensure everyone is safe.”

Supt Asprey added: “This is a busy time of year in Devon and Cornwall with many visiting on holiday. We’ve therefore put dedicated resources in place for the festival to ensure the there is no disruption to routine policing across the force.

“If you’re attending the event, please be safe, look out for each other and stay hydrated. If you’re leaving the site, please also be respectful of our local communities.

“Do come and say hi if you see us around!”

Police have some crime prevention advice for those attending:

“See it, Say It, Stop It - If you have seen something that doesn’t feel right or makes you feel uncomfortable report it to us - contact the nearest steward, security staff, police officer or go to one of the festival’s welfare tents which are located in the main arena and campsites, and open 24 hours a day.

“Never leave your drink unattended, even soft drinks and if you think your drink has been spiked, please go to the nearest medical tent or speak to a member of festival staff.

“Don’t leave anything valuable in your tent – there are a number of thefts every year. Check your car daily and leave your glove compartment empty and open.

“Keep your phone, cash and cards on you, even at night. Boardmasters is a cashless festival, with bars, food trucks and traders only accepting card payments, so there is no need to bring a large quantity of cash to the festival. If you are a victim of crime, contact on-site festival stewards, security or police immediately.

“Take the ‘anti’ away from anti-social. Please drink responsibly and put your safety and that of others first. Be considerate of others around you. Shouting, swearing and loud music may cause fear and distress to others. If you need help and advice but aren’t sure who to speak to please find security, stewards or police on-site or in and around Newquay.

“Remember, sex without consent is rape. No ifs, no buts, no excuses. There is no consent if agreement has been forced or coerced and not given freely, or if a person is impaired through drink, drugs or is not conscious.”

If anyone needs help and advice visit: dc.police.uk/consent

If it is not an emergency and someone needs to contact the police to report a crime or incident, they can do so via the website or by calling 101.

In an emergency, always dial 999.