Devon & Cornwall Police make five arrests in increased patrols during the Royal Cornwall Show
On 4 June 2024, show-goers were encouraged by police in Bodmin to plan their journeys home and reminded of the potential consequences if they were caught driving while under the influence.
As part of proactive patrols on road networks near to the Royal Cornwall Events Centre between 6 June and 8 June, Devon & Cornwall Police stopped 43 cars and carried out 30 roadside breath tests and drug wipes. This resulted in five people being arrested in connection with drink and/or drug driving offences, who were dealt with appropriately by the police. As part of the patrols, officers identified a total of 23 road policing offences, and seized two vehicles.
Inspector Adam Stonehill said: “Following our plea to the public to plan their journeys home and to be mindful of their behaviour at the Royal Cornwall Show, we are pleased to report that many people did follow our advice and had an enjoyable time at the event. While it is disappointing to see five people were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drink and drugs, I am pleased that our increased efforts to tackle drivers who put other roads users at risk has resulted in arrests and taken potentially dangerous drivers off our roads. We remain committed to keeping our roads as safe as we can, and we hope our visible presence across all three days of the show provided some reassurance to local people that we do not tolerate drink or drug driving.”
Members of the public were also warned to act sensibly during the three-day event, to prevent anti-social behaviour from taking place. Inspector Stonehill continued: “A small minority of people who attended the event behaved in an anti-social manner, such as drinking to excess and being in possession of controlled drugs, and were subsequently removed from the show by officers and event security staff.”
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the public who took our advice onboard and nominated a designated driver or arranged suitable transport home. We will be working closely with Royal Cornwall Show organisers over this year to review this year’s show and put measures in place to make the experience even better for show-goers next year and prevent anti-social behaviour from taking place.”
If you suspect someone of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, please dial 999 immediately with the vehicle information and direction of travel. If you have information relating to someone who regularly drives under the influence of drugs or alcohol, please call 101 or fill in an intelligence form on our website: www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/contact.
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