Partying to great live music at a festival with thousands of other fans is many people's idea of the ultimate fun. Even those who are not normally crazy about camping get swept up by the high spirits and carefree mood. Which is good, to a point. Benign though the vibe may be, festivals aren't criminal-free zones and protecting yourself remains crucial.

Criminals do target music festivals and concerts. Criminals read newspapers to find events they can target, and then pickpocket and steal cars there. Common crimes include theft, assault when drunk or drugged people get into fights, drug possession, drug dealing and the illegal distribution of alcohol. Drug and alcohol abuse is common practice and unfortunately this leads directly to an increase in crime, even violent crime. There have also been cases where young women have left the event with a stranger and been raped outside the event.

Safety varies from one event to another. Some festivals are very safe - it all depends how much time and effort organizers have spent on their security planning. The targeting of music festivals by criminals is an ever-present threat. When you attend a festival, apply the same safety precautions that you would anywhere else.

Festivals attract huge crowds, making drug availability much more difficult to control. Security can't possibly search thousands of people thoroughly. Generally the drugs available are dagga, ecstasy, acid and khat, with dagga being the most prevalent. Drugs are relatively hard to find at festivals - harder at least than at urban nightlife venues. But there are always a few individuals who will do drugs and there have been drug overdoses at some venues.

Most times drinking is more of a problem than drugging. Although drug overdoses are rare, quite a few people over the years have spent a night in jail for drug possession, thanks to the police. Overdoing anything spoils the fun - and being too drugged or drunk to watch the bands defeats the point of being at the festival.

Safety in Numbers

Tips to Make Sure you have Good Festival Memories

Stay away from drugs and too much alcohol. If you get drunk or drugged you are exposing yourself to the wrong kind of attention and could attract criminal elements. If you're going to drink, stay hydrated and never leave your drink unattended, or it could be spiked. Don't wander around alone. It's best to go in a group and stay in that group. If you suffer from any medical condition, such as asthma, don't forget your medication. Know where the closest security post and medic's tent are.

Don't leave your valuables in your tent - rather carry them in your backpack or put them in the boot of your car. Take along a small padlock or cable tie to secure your tent and make sure the area where you decide to set up your tent is cleared of glass. Try to pitch your tent in a well-lit spot. Introduce yourself to your camping neighbors, so you can keep an eye on each other's stuff. 'Don't blast AC/DC, or anything for that matter, on your car stereo - your neighbors will get irritated and fights may result.

Take a torch for dark nights and extra toilet paper. Report anything or anyone suspicious to security.

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