OFFICERS policing Creamfields this weekend have issued a stern warning to anyone thinking about breaking the law.

The UK’s largest dance music festival will take place in Daresbury between Thursday and Sunday, and Cheshire Police is working with organisers to ensure that everyone attending stays safe.

Around 70,000 people from across the North West are expected to descend for the bank holiday weekend.

Policing the festival is a considerable undertaking for the force, and officers will be providing a visible presence to prevent incidents of crime and disorder.

The operation extends beyond the festival site’s borders, too, with particular focus on supporting residents and trying to minimise the impact of the festival on them as much as possible.

Superintendent Sarah Heath is overseeing the policing operation for the event this year.

She said: “As with previous years, a great deal of time and effort has gone into planning for this event to ensure that we are as prepared as possible for what is the biggest event that we help to police in Cheshire.

“Our main aim is to ensure the safety of festival goers and support the local community. I know that the majority of people who will attend will enjoy the event responsibly.

“The event organisers will have a range of security measures in place, such as searches before being granted entry and drug dogs in attendance.

“Amnesty bins are also in place at entrance points of the site for prohibited items, and anyone who does not use these bins but is found to be in possession of drugs or weapons will be dealt with.

“Be under no illusion – if you are caught trying to smuggle anything like this into the festival, you will be prosecuted and the impact of that is lasting.

“We have seen hundreds of people charged and dealt with by the courts down the years – do not let it be you.”

To report a non-emergency incident at Creamfields visit cheshire.police.uk or call 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.

Residents can find out more information about the event and how it could impact them by visiting creamfieldsnorth.com/residents

Concerns can be raised with the festival organisers by calling 0207 6888 900.