A DEDICATED policing plan is in place to ensure everyone stays safe on the Island during this year's festival.

Isle of Wight and Hampshire Constabulary are working closely with festival organisers, Solo, to keep crime as low as possible and ensure a fun and safe event.

Officers will be patrolling the site in partnership with security staff to ensure a safer environment for members of the public.

Hampshire Constabulary's crime prevention advisor said: "Rest assured, before the festival has even begun, work is well underway to develop a plan to ensure the event runs smoothly."

Every year, the force advise festival-goers to take note of the crime prevention advice on their social media channels and the useful information on the festival page on their website.

"Upon arrival, everyone is invited to spend time at our festival police station in the 'Electric Ladyland' where they'll be offered further interactive ways to stay safe."

Last year's festival saw a significant drop of 72 per cent in the number of overall thefts reported compared to 2016's festival.

Although a positive step, police have advised people not to be complacent and remain vigilant to the risks of leaving valuables in tents.

"Although we strongly advise leaving valuables at home, we understand you may have to bring some with you. If you do, keep them in your sleeping bag while you sleep."

The advise to festival-goers is to make a list of all the serial and model numbers for electrical items and register their possessions with IMMOBILISE.

This ensures they are properly marked, so police can identify the owners of recovered property with ease — visit their website for further details.

Delays on the roads are inevitable over the weekend.

Roads Policing Unit inspector Steve Wakeford said: "I would remind all road users to allow more time for their journeys during the week of the festival.

"Police officers will be carrying out anti-drink and drug driving operations as part of the summer impairment campaign and our officers will be taking a robust approach to dealing with any motorists putting lives at risk."

The Isle of Wight Festival organisers are retaining a clear and tough stance against illegal drugs.

Superintendent Simon Dodds said: "Their use and sale will not be condoned or tolerated at the festival and people suspected of carrying and supplying illegal drugs will be searched."

There will be passive drug detection dogs and searches at entry points with amnesty bins provided.

New psychoactive substances, previously known as 'legal highs' such as 'NOS', remain prohibited at the festival.

In light of recent security threats across the UK, the force has reviewed its security plans and capability around all pre-planned events.

"We urge the public to be alert but not alarmed", said a spokesperson. "The police and our partners are doing everything we can to help protect you."

It is also advised that the public remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour or activity to police on 0800789321.

Superintendent Simon Dodds added: "The safety and security of people elsewhere on the Island remains an equally essential priority.

"Our response to emergencies, crime and disorder across the rest of the island will be the same and anyone should call 999 in an emergency as usual."

You can get more information on care and safety from the Hampshire Police website and the festival website.

Below are a list of suggested social media accounts to visit for updates on traffic, crime and other safety messages:

Island Roads Twitter: @IslandRoads

IOW Council Twitter: @iwight

Hampshire Constabulary Twitter: @HantsPolice @HantsPolRoads @FestivalCop @IOWightPolice and @IOWRuralPolice.