THAMES Valley Police has confirmed that there was a slight rise in arrests related to Reading Festival in 2023 compared to last year, but a five-year downward trend is still largely on track.
This year Thames Valley Police made 48 arrests, an increase on the 37 last year, but one fewer than the 49 made in 2018.
These figures put the average number of arrests made each year at around 44.6, and show that 2023’s event saw only a marginal increase.
Last year’s lower arrest numbers do not reflect that fifty people were ejected from the site following an incident of anti-social behaviour, however.
Chief Superintendent Michael Loebenberg, strategic commander for the policing operation, said: “We had a successful weekend policing Reading Festival in support of the event organisers, Festival Republic.
“It has been a pleasure to work together with organisers and our other partners to welcome and keep safe over 100,000 festival goers to Reading.
“From our Tactical Cycle Unit, Mounted Section and Joint Marine Unit, to our Detectives working around the clock to investigate the crimes reported to us and the officers conducting daily patrols, each of our officers and staff has played their own part in this operation and ensured the safety of those who have visited the festival.
“I would like to pass on a huge thank you to all the officers and staff involved.”
Speaking on arrest numbers, he explained: “Over the course of the event, 48 arrests were made– these arrests represent an incredibly small minority of all those who attended Reading Festival.
“We hope those who attended, whether you had a day ticket or were camping for the weekend, had a good time and had the opportunity to talk to some of our officers.”
