Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (Commissioner), David Allen, met with South Lakes Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) Inspector, Ross Woods, to hear more about the preparations and potential challenges ahead of Appleby Fair.
The Commissioner and Inspector visited Kirkby Lonsdale and Sedbergh to discuss the partnership working between Police, Local Authorities and businesses on the lead up to Appleby Horse Fair and speak to travellers who have arrived early ahead of the event.
Appleby Horse Fair is the biggest annual event Cumbria hosts. Public safety is the key priority and the Constabulary also prepare to target the small minority of visitors that enter the county with the intention of committing criminal acts. Police patrols increase on the lead-up, during and after the Fair to ensure the safety of everyone in the area and that people act lawfully.
Commissioner David Allen said: “We always see an influx of people from the travelling community in the county on the lead up to Appleby Fair, often pulling caravans – modern and traditional bow-topped – and, of course, horses. Therefore, it’s essential that we have plans in place to accommodate them to ensure everyone – all visitors and residents - can stay safe.
“Tools such as signposting along grass verges to highlight where it is and isn’t safe to park, providing fields for caravans and for the horses to graze, and access to fresh water are important to keep everyone safe and healthy – especially in the warmer weather.
“The Police work with the councils, businesses and landowners to ensure that travellers have a safe place to stay.
“With any influx of people to the county, similar to what we see with tourists during the summer months, we do see a rise in crime so it’s important that we prepare and put in prevention measures so that crime is kept to a minimum.
“I would also stress that due to the incredibly dry weather the county has been having, that there is a heightened wildfire risk. Due to this increased I would ask visitors and others to be mindful of this risk and to avoid open fires wherever possible or to make them as safe as is possible.
“The Appleby Horse Fair is a long-standing tradition and a massive part of the traveller culture so it’s important that we ensure everyone can enjoy themselves whilst staying safe. The message is clear to residents and visitors: be respectful, follow the rules in place and enjoy the Fair.”
Gold Police Commander for Appleby Horse Fair, Detective Superintendent Dan St Quintin of Cumbria Police said: "Appleby Horse Fair is the biggest annual policing operation in Cumbria, with planning and preparations lasting for 12 months.
"The majority of people who come to the Fair to enjoy themselves in a safe manner and do not seek to cause trouble.
"However, we will not hesitate to act against anyone from any community who comes to this event believing they can commit offences.”
If you wish to report to police you can do so online at Report a crime | Cumbria Police. You can also phone on 101. Always phone 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.