Police robustly deal with anti-social behaviour as majority of Islanders safely enjoy Cowes Week

We are pleased to see that the vast majority of people living on and visiting the Isle of Wight have been enjoying Cowes Week safely and sensibly this year.

Police have plans in place to ensure that those who want to make the most of this exciting week can do so without being disturbed by crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour (ASB).

There are unfortunately a very small minority of people whose poor behaviour causes disruption, and these individuals are dealt with robustly by police.

We currently have a dispersal order in place in Cowes under Section 34 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, and this enables us to target those individuals more effectively. This will run until 9am on Friday 4 August, however please be reassured that these tactics are subject to further assessment and can be re-used if deemed necessary and proportionate.

Dispersal orders give our officers the power to order a person to leave a directed area, and they’re not to return to this area within the specified time period. Those who refuse to comply with the order are committing a criminal offence and are liable for arrest. Juveniles who are involved in ASB will be taken home to their parents.

Last night police had to issue dispersal notices to three individuals in Cowes for their poor behaviour.

One of these individuals – a 21-year-old man from Cowes – failed to comply with the notice and was subsequently arrested by officers.

Chief Inspector Alex Charge said: “Individuals who behave poorly in the night time economy and at large events such as Cowes Week are fortunately in the minority.

“Everyone should be able to go out, have fun and have a drink, but that does not excuse those who become abusive, aggressive and disruptive.

“I am grateful to all of the attendees at this year’s event who are enjoying themselves sensibly.

“We are committed to ensuring that you have the opportunity to experience Cowes Week without the nuisance caused by those who simply can’t behave, and we will continue to take action against anyone whose actions are deemed anti-social or criminal.”