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Welcome to those coming to Reading for the first time. And for those returning, it’s nice to see you back here.

You’re coming to the centre of a thriving town. It has everything you’ll need on your doorstep (or tent flap step as the case may be). So don’t feel like you need to cover every possible eventuality by bringing a car load of stuff.

Take a moment to read our top safety tips and also have a look at our Parents' guide which will give you advice on what to bring and how to look after your possessions.

The police and partners on duty at Reading Festival are there to make sure that the Festival is as peaceful and crime-free as possible, so do enjoy yourselves.

We have a lot of experience in policing this festival and want to pass on some tips and friendly advice so that you greatly reduce the chance of being a victim of crime, or worse, arrested or injured. Remember that for 90,000 visitors to Reading Festival, there are only about 500 crimes. However, that is still too many.

In our experience, a fair chunk of this crime could be avoided. Twits smoking drugs or getting too drunk and fighting was a common theme. It’s a great shame to see that a moment’s stupidity gets someone a criminal record and greatly reduces their options to get or keep a job when they return home. Seeing grown men in tears when they realise what they've done – and the consequences of their actions – is not a happy sight. So please think before you do something daft.

You’re probably getting the gist now that, while we will police the Festival in a happy, neighbourly and safety-minded way, we’ll not let idiots and thieves spoil it for others. We will arrest and take a hard line with those who try.

That’s a bit heavy or ‘that’s long’ as my son would say. But, if you act in this way, you can’t say that we’ve not given fair warning.

Calling all moshers and surfers

This is aimed at all those who at some time will be in the middle of a ‘Mosh Pit’, ‘moshing’ your little hearts out and to those who will ‘surf’ over the crowd to a beefy bloke with a security shirt on.

And – before you ask – it isn’t a new thing. Punks did a similar ‘mosh’ thing – only back then they didn’t have with them their mobile phones, loads of cash, cameras and other gadgets. Is it surprising that getting into a position like this may cause stuff to fall out of your pockets? There may be someone in the pit who is looking to steal from you. Last year, we had a mixture – people were pick pocketed and others lost their property in ‘Mosh Pits’.

We have some advice here:

  • Don’t mosh or surf – OK, we know that’ll be ignored, so...
  • Use the lockers that are situated on site. Lock your stuff away and then go surfing.

Where are the lockers located? (PDF 364 Kb - opens new window)

  • Take it in turns with a mate. Give him/her your property first and then off you go. Then do the same for that person.
  • If you choose to ignore these points, then please make sure you attach your stuff to your clothes so it’s difficult to lose or steal. Use front pockets – it’s much harder to steal or lose stuff from there.

Lost property

If you lose anything, your first place to go is the Waves Tent. It stores all found property. Last year, there was a mountain of it! Phones, cameras, bags, wallets, some with cash.

At Reading Festival 2009, after the world record attempt at the biggest ‘Mosh Pit’, a lad came to the police area covered from head-to-toe in dry, brown, muddy dust – some of which had turned to a thin layer of mud having been mixed with sweat. He had a ripped pair of shorts and, amazingly, had retained one flip-flop.

He said: "I've lost my wallet." Then, later, with no money, he went home.

It’s your property. Keep it safe and secure.