Cheshire Police have warned festival-goers heading to Creamfields that retrospective facial recognition technology will be used at the event for the first time, alongside spot checks and searches.
Up to 80,000 music fans are expected at the annual electronic dance music event, which returns to Daresbury over the August Bank Holiday weekend from Thursday 27 to Monday 31. Performers include Calvin Harris, Tiesto, Pete Tong and Becky Hill.
Spot checks and searches at the festival
Officers from Cheshire Constabulary will support event and security staff and provide a visible presence to prevent crime and disorder. The force warned that specialist officers will carry out a number of searches of the site area in the run-up to the event, and these will continue once gates open in the form of 'spot checks'.
Dance music fans are being asked to minimise noise and antisocial behaviour beyond the festival site's borders. Parents and responsible adults are urged to ensure children under 18 do not travel to the site. Anyone under 18, or caught trying to enter without a ticket, will be ejected.
Retrospective facial recognition technology used for first time
This year will see retrospective facial recognition technology being used at the festival. It works by comparing CCTV footage from the event to national police databases. Any outstanding suspects who are matched will then be passed on to an investigating officer for further enquiries.
Superintendent Andy Blizzard, who is overseeing the policing operation, said: "As always, a great deal of time and effort has gone into planning for this event to ensure that we are as prepared as possible for what is the biggest event that we help to police in Cheshire."
Warning on drugs and prohibited items
Supt Blizzard added: "The event organisers have a range of security measures in place such as searches before being granted entry and drug dogs are in attendance. Amnesty bins are also in place at entrance points of the site for prohibited items and anyone who does not use these bins but is found to be in possession of drugs or weapons will be dealt with."
"If you are caught trying to smuggle any drugs into the festival, you will be prosecuted - and the impact of that is long lasting," he said. "Our disruption work is not just focused on the event itself, but continues both before and after the festival, so there really is nowhere to hide."
Local residents can find more information about the event and how it could impact them, and any concerns can be raised with the festival organisers by calling 0207 6888 900.
