Security from campervan field, 2 harsh,unlawful ?

[russycarps]

You can be abusive as you want.

The fact remains that hundreds / thousands of people in the past have volunteerd to do the most awful things. This includes German concentration camp guards, Japanese POW camp guards, British concentration camp guards (Boer War).

Now you tell me what pool of people this section of humanity comes from? It is from the same pool that act as these blue vested bullies and go on to act as debt collectors feeding off misery. If these people had been alive in Gemany in the thirties what do you think they'd be doing for a living?

[504329lt]

They are doing an honest job making an honest living. To compare them to people who oversaw the murder of millions can only come from the mind of someone who is utterly unhinged.

[Celtic bhoy]

As someone in the campervan fields who doesn't do drugs I can view all of this with a certain amount of objectivity. I wasn't searched at all last year, and once this year when I hovered to make fun of my brother being pulled in for search!!

Anyway, the security types I spoke to on the gate, including the one who searched me, were all decent friendly people. I'm sure there are a few thugs in the service, but they are in the minority. Trying to make out otherwise just because you've had your stash confiscated is pathetic. Now, what they do with the takings - that is an interesting question, and I'm sure some goes missing. Could you just wait till they've taken it off you then call the police over and get them arrested for possession?

So, the search I had was not thorough and I came away thinking that I easily could have had something stashed - he just checked my obvious pockets in my shorts and bag. Interestingly, my younger brother who has "Kanye" style sunglasses and Jack Wills tops was checked almost every single time. So I guess they're going for particular types of look - young, affluent etc. You're also far more likely to be checked at quiet periods, so if you want to get things through, go in with the mid-day crush. We actually staged a diversion on the final day when one of my brothers wanted to bring a good portion of what he had left in - my other two brothers put their shades on and rushed head-down through security - both were pulled whilst brother with stash sauntered calmly through

[russycarps]

Really?

Clearly the comment regarding honesty is not true.

If you really think that there are no individuals within 'the blue vested bullies' who are comparable then you are naive.

If you give a little power to someone with a small brain then it is a slippery road. Be warned.

[It doesn't get any better]

look the security guard have an awful time of it...not like normal security jobs...they have to watch everyone pissed off their faces having an immense time, while they generally are extremly nice to me and ive never experienced this...remember these guards are human and some may be a bit power mad...

they are the best security guards you will find at any major festival....so stop whinging for being caught doing something illegal im sure you wouldnt be complaining if you were caught with it on the street...

[Cooter]

Sadly I don't think theres much chance of the campervans ever being included within the fence. reasons being

Trying to deter people driving to the festival

Fire hazards

H & S risks

Searching vehicle times for drugs,glass,stocks of beer,people!

If anything the CVers need some sort of different passout/in system to avoid them being treated like a newcomer 2 or 3 times a day. Other campers within the fence don't get the hassle CVers do, and we pay £65 extra!

[Celtic bhoy]

If anything the CVers need some sort of different passout/in system to avoid them being treated like a newcomer 2 or 3 times a day. Other campers within the fence don't get the hassle CVers do, and we pay £65 extra!

[Cooter]

Agree, this would be worth putting together in an email to the Festival

[504329lt]

It may make a difference it may not, I suspect not because I believe the organisers secretly want to deter CV'ers and in turn make the fields as unuser-friendly as possible (why do you think its at the top of the Hill of Death!?).

I say this because it would be so much easier for them if everyone was in a tent within the fence from Wednesday onwards, job done!

[Mishy]

Whenever I went past Gate D I only ever saw men being searched. I did not witness one female having her stuff searched.

Is it cos girls dont do drugs

[Celtic bhoy]

It may make a difference it may not, I suspect not because I believe the organisers secretly want to deter CV'ers and in turn make the fields as unuser-friendly as possible (why do you think its at the top of the Hill of Death!?).

I say this because it would be so much easier for them if everyone was in a tent within the fence from Wednesday onwards, job done!

Edited July 2, 2009 by Celtic bhoy

[Evie_Tee]

I was in campervan field East15 this year and went in and out of Gate C lots. I was pulled over in the rain on Friday morning , but all I was carrying was a tiny 3 legged stool thing (being pregnant I needed somewhere to sit!). Nothing else about my person at all.

It did make me laugh that the guy had picked me when I was surrounded by hundreds of other people carrying bags, rucksacks etc but I guess they have to pick someone and you don't have to be carrying a load to be hiding a stash.

They guy wasn't exactly cheery but he wasn't rude either and thanked me and I went on my way.

I agree that the comparison between these folks and those at concentraion camps is way over the top.

The searches would never put me off staying in the camper fields, the draw of hot showers every day, your own toilet at night and a truly comfy bed are too much. I do think however the entry and re-entry system needs looking at for those who are going in and out each day.

[TimS]

Whenever I went past Gate D I only ever saw men being searched. I did not witness one female having her stuff searched.

Edited July 2, 2009 by TimS

[posthuman]

Does anyone know the legal position of the blue security?

[ShadyBlueBell]

And in other threads people are complaining about invasive searches where security feel around these areas.

You can't have it both ways, encouraging people on a public forum to be more creative in hiding places and then complain when security take longer to search and are more invasive when doing so.

Security are searching for drugs to help the festival comply with its license. I personally take no huge issue with whatever people choose to do, but when you consider that drugs are illegal, that the festival has a reputation for drug use, and that the festival is required to be seen to be doing something about drug use, it's hardly surprising that people are searched, and if you get caught, to be honest that's just tough luck. It even warns you that this will happen on your ticket, and on the festival website.

I completely agree there could maybe do with more paperwork (receipts / etc) but at the end of the day, even if people got a receipt, people would still be posting here saying "how dare they take my stash" etc.

If you don't like having your stash taken off you and are incensed at security having the audacity to do so, then maybe try not bringing a stash with you onto the site? You don't have a divine right to bring drugs with you just because it's Glastonbury.

[ShadyBlueBell]

I cant believe people moan when they get caught doing something illegal.

Anyone that cant hide their stash deserves to have it confiscated. Just clench it between your bum cheeks. Simple

[jameshunt]

....

If you don't like having your stash taken off you and are incensed at security having the audacity to do so, then maybe try not bringing a stash with you onto the site? You don't have a divine right to bring drugs with you just because it's Glastonbury.

[TimS]

The issue around their handling of drugs is an interesting one, I don't know the full picture but I think it is illegal for security staff to possess drugs, and therefore most premises (certainly in London) will have a secure 'drugs safe' to put confiscated items in, which the police regularly empty. No idea what the arrangement is at Glasto.

[smiley33]

The security guards at Gate C were surly rude pigs. They should remember that WE are paying their wages and show some courtesy.

Personally I think the majority would have made ideal candidiates to be on the gates of a concentration camp. They really are the lowest scum you can encounter.

[Breeze]

behave. Overseeing the slaughter of millions of innocent people or confiscating illegal drugs. You see no difference there?

[Janie_1975]

I didn't get to go to Glastonbury this year, but went instead to the Isle of Wight festival; however, I got the distinct impression that many of the same security staff were working both events.

FYI:

At the Isle of Wight, I was aware there were amnesty bins before the searches. Also, security would confiscate anything glass that people were trying to take into the campsite (clear warning of this was given). I was given a bottle of vodka from one of the security blokes that came from the stack of confiscated items. He also offered to get drugs for me that had been thrown in the amnesty bin. When I naively said, "but doesn't that stuff get handed over to the police?", he laughed.

[HAPPY CHEF]

Just to clarify stewards cannot perform searches,only SIA staff,ie security guards.Also the policy on searches is clearly printed on the ticket and in the fine guide. You pays your money,you takes your chance.

[504329lt]

don't agree at all - I didn't have any problems whatsoever with them and I was in and out as my parents were in the campervan field - when I lost my ticket and pass out, it took ages to sort, but they were polite and helpful

Edited July 3, 2009 by 504329lt