Despite violence and the death of a young man marring this year’s T in the Park, the officer in charge of policing the event has hailed it as a success.
While recognising the seriousness of a number of incidents a fatal collapse, an alleged knife attack, a sexual assault and an accident that left a man fighting for his life Chief Superintendent Craig Suttie praised the behaviour of the vast majority of the 85,000 who attended the festival.
“T in the Park 2010 has proved to be a very busy event for all of us, but a successful one thanks to the excellent behaviour and the good community spirit demonstrated by the vast majority of those who have attended the event,” he said.
“I would also thank the 450 police officers and the many security staff and stewards for the excellent way in which they have worked together over the course of the weekend, as well as the organisers themselves, and the many other agencies who have delivered a successful T in the Park.
“I am very encouraged by the drop in crime levels that we have experienced this year, as well as the high detection rates.”
He added, “However, this should in no way distract us from a number of serious incidents that have occurred at the venue, some of which are still subject to investigation by our officers.”
Statistics released after the event showed that despite more people attending, crime had fallen.
Police made 64 arrests at the event, compared to last year’s 59, and 69 arrests were made in 2008.
Some 229 crimes were recorded during the weekend, compared to 358 in 2009 a 36% reduction and 432 in 2008.
The majority of offences relate to theft, drugs misuse and minor assault.