Almost 30 people have been arrested so far in the run-up to this year’s Appleby Horse Fair – and the majority were people who live locally.
Officers in the South Lakes and Eden areas of Cumbria are working as part of the pre-fair phase of the force’s policing operation.
Cumbria police has issued a warning to people to refrain from engaging in criminality.
The force said: “Most of the arrests made to date relate to criminality on the county’s road network, including arrests for motorists driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and driving without insurance.
“The majority of these arrests relate to people who live locally or those who are travelling through the county – though are not linked to the Gypsy or Traveller community.”
Detective Superintendent Dan St Quintin, of Cumbria police is police gold commander for Appleby Horse Fair.
He said: “Public safety is our number one priority and we will continue to take enforcement action against those committing criminal offences.
“I would like to reassure all communities that there is no targeting of any specific community, but our increased policing presence will take action against individuals engaging in criminality regardless of their background.
“To date, we have seen a number of people putting lives at risk by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“Those who do so are being incredibly reckless and our officers will continue to stop people they suspect may be driving whilst impaired through alcohol or drugs.
“We all know too well the tragic consequences that can occur when a driver makes the decision to drive whilst unfit because of their alcohol or drug consumption.”
Police are also reminding motorists to drive with caution and to expect to encounter slow-moving traffic in the lead up to year’s fair.
Det Supt St Quintin added: “Drivers are likely to encounter slow-moving traffic, particularly on the A66, so please pay extra attention when travelling around the county.
“Please take extra care, be patient and plan ahead and set off early. Let’s make sure everyone reaches their destination safely.”
