Investigators from the Security Industry Authority and officers from Staffordshire Police carried out checks on security guards working at the V Festival in Weston Park on Friday [21 August]. The inspections were to ensure that companies providing security at the high profile event were working legally by only deploying SIA-licensed security operatives’ at the site near Weston-under Lizard. Of the 41 security guards inspected, only one individual was detected working without a licence. Enquiries will be made with the security company involved.
Dave Holdway, Supt – Silver Commander V Festival 2009 said: “This years V festival at Weston Park again proved that this is one of the safest music festivals in Europe. This continuing success is due to the hard work and dedication of a number of key agencies not least of which is the SIA who have given considerable support this year in ensuring that festival-goers can continue to have full confidence in the protection given to them by the security staff on site. The collaboration between the police, security and the SIA will continue to be a factor in the planning of this event in future years to ensure that this continues.”
Paul Cartlidge, an SIA Head of Investigation said: “I am very pleased with the results of this operation as those requiring SIA licences were wearing them. The V Festival draws thousands of music fans so it is important that trained and professional individuals are protecting them.”