THAMES Valley Police have released their statistics for arrests and criminal activity during the weekend of Reading Festival 2022.
They note concern around fires which broke out at the campsite on the evening of Sunday, August 28, and say that festival teams were “quick to attend the scene with water pumps and extinguish these within minutes.”
They also responded to reports of a 30-year-old man who was threatening a member of the public and members of staff.He was arrested and given a conditional caution, but Thames Valley Police noted that despite inaccurate reports of a ‘gunman’ the individual was not carrying a weapon.
Over the weekend, 37 arrests were made, and 152 crimes were reported.
This is a slight increase on the 135 in 2021, and a slight decrease from 2019’s 168.
Police also note that fifty people were ejected from the site following anti-social behaviour, but that these people were provided safeguarding so that they could get home safely.
Chief Superintendent Michael Loebenberg, Strategic Commander for the policing operation, said: “Reading Festival is one of the largest events in the Thames Valley and it was great to welcome everyone back to the town for another year.
“Over the four days of the festival, 37 arrests were made for offences including assault, drug supply, criminal damage and public order and 152* crimes were reported.
“I would like to thank all of those involved in the planning, preparation and delivery of the festival, as well as our officers and staff who policed the event to keep the public safe.”
