Keep your valuables safe (From Gazette Series)

Keep your valuables safe

BOAT enthusiasts attending the annual Saul Canal Festival this weekend have been urged to keep an eye on their belongings during the event by police.

Last year around 7,000 people went to the festival - a celebration of boating featuring a large number of narrowboats, traders, stalls and attractions - and more are expected to attend this year.

Crime at the family-orientated event has traditionally been low, but Insp Peter Craddock, the officer in charge of policing the festival, is keen for the public to avoid complacency.

He said: "Large crowds, such as there will be at the Saul Festival, are perfect cover for thieves and pickpockets.

"In the past we have not had a problem with this type of crime and we do not anticipate having one this year, but we would ask people attending the event to take basic precautions to ensure their valuables are safe."

Anyone attending the event is asked to keep wallets and purses close to their person, preferably in pockets on the inside of clothing that can be zipped closed.

People taking valuable items such as cameras to the festival should keep them with them at all times or lock them in the boot of a car when not in use.

The festival starts tonight (6pm-12 midnight) and continues on Saturday and Sunday (10am-6pm).