POLICE have revealed 51 tests were carried out at the Boardmasters at Watergate Bay after people complained their drinks had been interfered with or they had been stabbed with a needle but no cases of spiking were confirmed.

Detective Inspector Claire Nicholls said: “This year, 51 police-authorised tests were carried out in relation to reports of spiking at the Boardmasters music festival.

“Of these, 49 were negative for spiking and the two that tested positive could be accounted for by the actions of those individuals who were tested and have not been identified as criminal offences.

“While assaults using needles are rare, and none were confirmed at Boardmasters, we ask that people are vigilant when in crowded spaces and notify premises staff or police of any suspicious behaviour.

“The timeliness of reporting is vital to enable us to capture any available evidence and so we ask people to report to us at the earliest opportunity. Not only does this give us the best chance to identify those responsible, but it also allows us to safeguard the victim and ensure they receive appropriate medical treatment.

“Those who contact police following an incident will always be supported and we will respond to them as soon as possible."

Boardmasters states it has a robust anti-spiking plan in place and stressed the importance of presenting to medical and welfare if anyone is worried about spiking. A Boardmasters spokesperson said: “Each suspected spiking is dealt with on a case by case basis. Anyone at Boardmasters who presents to welfare or medical with a suspected spiking is asked a series of questions, and analysis is taken before a test is given. Once a test has been given, a log is created to ensure there is a record of each report. What is to follow is dependent on the results. 

“Anyone who our medical deemed to be presenting symptoms of suspected spiking was tested on site. These suspected cases were officially logged by the relevant teams. This policy remains the same for anyone presenting to welfare and medical for any medical concerns.

“Should there be a negative test, our medical and welfare teams will look after the individual until they feel well enough to go back to the festival (or call parents if they would rather go home). If positive, the Police will then be called to do a secondary evidence test and take a statement.

“During this time, the individual will continue to be looked after by our medical and welfare teams and parents called if required. 

“We encourage festival goers to visit our on-site welfare facilities which are open 24 hours should they be worried about spiking, or to report any other issues or concerns. Our welfare teams are highly trained and there to help, and as we can only respond to incidents that we know about, it’s really important you use these facilities should you need them. 

“Boardmasters procedures regarding spiking have been developed as part of their wider strategy to address violence against women and girls, and anti-social behaviour.

“This included working with Stamp Out Spiking to spread awareness of spiking via on site messaging including in toilets and at info points, and issuing drink toppers on site for anyone who wanted one 

“Senior members of the festival management, welfare and medical teams have undertaken specialist training provided by Stamp Out Spiking, to support them in recognising the signs of spiking and how to support anyone who may have been spiked  

“‘Don’t be a bystander’ and anti-harassment training was part of our onboarding process for all accredited festival staff this year.

“On site we operate with a dedicated enhanced welfare provision which includes our safeguarding team, Devon and Cornwall Police, Cornwall Council and SARSAS. Welfare and medical centres are located in both the main arena and campsites and open 24 hours.

“Devon and Cornwall Police had further presence on site to share information on the Project NightEye campaign which is all about calling out behaviours of concern and reporting anything that people feel uncomfortable with, whether it’s happening to them or someone else.  

“Through the Boardmasters Foundation, we have provided funding for educational workshops in local secondary schools, with Schools Consent Project

“Knowing parents will have questions, too, over the past two years we have created and hosted parent webinars covering topics such as festival safety, drugs and alcohol,  sex and consent.

“If anyone is caught spiking others at Boardmasters, Devon & Cornwall Police will immediately be alerted and it will be treated as a criminal matter.”