Personal Safety, Security Advice and Guidance for Visitors attending Goose Fair

Personal Safety, Security Advice and Guidance for Visitors attending Goose Fair

Dear Resident

Nottinghamshire Police frequently issue community alerts through the Notts Alert platform, advising visitors to protect their belongings from opportunist pickpockets which actively target the annual Goose Fair, which attracts up to 500,000 people to the Forest Recreation Ground. Due to the massive tightly packed crowds, thieves frequently take advantage of the bustling, dark and highly distracting environments around the rides and stalls to primarily target visitors to steal mobile phones, wallets, and cash.

Essential Personal Safety Advice

If you are planning to attend, to avoid being targeted by street thieves and pickpockets at the fair, Nottinghamshire Police recommend the following precautions to protect your valuables:

Secure your valuables: Avoid placing phones, cash, or wallets in you back pockets. Use internal jacket pockets or bags featuring zipped compartments.

Watch for distraction techniques: Thieves frequently operate in pairs or groups, using techniques like bumping into you, spilling a drink, or creating a chaotic scene (such as a fake argument or a "bizarre dance" distraction ploy) to steal items while you are focused elsewhere.

Stay alert in crowds: Be aware of individuals who seem more interested in looking at people's waistlines, bags, and pockets than they are in the fairground attractions.

Leave unnecessary items at home: Only carry the specific payment methods and ID you need for the day.

Essential Tips to Beat the Pickpockets

Ditch the backpack or heavy bags: Travel as light as possible. Try to carry only your essentials (phone, cash, or card) in zipped or buttoned internal coat pockets.

Never use back pockets: Keeping your mobile phone or wallet in your back jeans pocket makes you an incredibly easy target.

Wear bags across your chest: If you must bring a bag, use a crossbody bag. Keep the bag zipped, worn across your front, and keep your arm or hand resting over the opening.

Secure your payment cards quickly: Do not walk around with your wallet or phone out after paying for a ride or food. Put your cards away securely immediately.

Be wary of strange distractions: Thieves often use deliberate bumps, crowding, or strange behaviour to distract you while an accomplice slips their hand into your pocket.

Don't let them pocket it

You may have an idea of what a pickpocket looks like but they’re far less likely to stand out in a crowd than you might think since blending in is part of how they avoid being caught. Here’s how to spot a potential pickpocket and avoid losing your belongings to one.

The observers: These include people loitering in public places who appear to be checking out passers-by, paying particular interest to their handbags, shopping bags and where they might place their wallet or purse.

For example, be aware of individuals who appear to be focusing their attention on the waist area of others. This may be an indication of criminal intent and probable theft. But do bear in mind the fact that some people are naturally shy and do avoid eye contact. Always follow your instincts.

The opportunists: Pickpockets also operate in shops and department stores, where people are more likely to be standing still, distracted and so paying less attention to their belongings, making them an easier target.

Be more aware of your surroundings in busy shops and shopping centres because they’re ideal places for pickpockets, as it’s easier for them to brush past people, take items and blend into the crowd.

Team tactics: Pickpockets don’t always operate alone; they may work in teams to distract the target while someone unseen removes the items and blends back into the crowd. Another member might step in as an enforcer in the event of an altercation.

Crowding in: Thieves vary their tactics based on the location and the density of the crowd. One tactic is where a group of them push up against a victim in a crowded shop or street then quickly reach into the victim’s pocket and steal their wallet, phone or purse.

Dirty tricks: Remember, pickpockets are very skilled at what they do. They know all the tricks and are extremely light-fingered with most of their thefts only taking a second or two. One of their tactics is ‘hugger mugging’ where a thief will appear to be over-friendly for no reason and hug you while pickpocketing you.

The point of distraction: Pickpocket teams are adept at creating distractions. This could be anything from a game to a loud shout, all designed to avert your attention while an unseen accomplice steals your valuables. So do try not to be easily distracted.

Keep purses and bags always closed and secure

Carry bags in front of you or diagonally across your chest

Return cards to your purse or wallet quickly and zip it up or button it

Use a purse that’s difficult to open. One that zips or snaps shut is best, and keep it closed

Use a money belt if you’re carrying a significant quantity of cash

Conceal your wallet in a buttoned or zipped pocket where it doesn’t bulge

Keep a list, separate from your wallet and phone, of contact numbers of family in case your phone is stolen

Keep a photocopy of your airline tickets, passport, credit cards and any other documents that would be impossible or inconvenient to replace if stolen

Remember, having a zipped bag doesn’t mean you’re totally safe. Thieves have been known to walk behind victims while slowly unzipping bags. Yes, they can be that bold. So, never underestimate a pickpocket.

What to Do If You Witness a Crime

If you see or notice suspicious activity or behaviour at the event or become a victim of a theft while at the Forest Recreation Ground, report it immediately to the on-site stewarding staff or spot one of the many Nottinghamshire uniformed police officers, Nottingham City Council Community Protection Officers (CPOs), or on-site fairgrounds stewards patrolling the area.

Officers will be on patrol engaging with fair goers, offering crime prevention advice and ensuring visitors of all ages feel safe and supported during the popular event which has historically attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors, making it one of the largest populated events in the East Midlands.

Police and our partners will be working hard to ensure people are safe while enjoying themselves. Officers will be there to deal with any criminality, to protect people and their property and to facilitate an enjoyable event.

The vast majority of people who visit Goose Fair just want to enjoy themselves and only a very small minority cause any issues. In the event of any antisocial or criminal behaviour we will of course take robust action.

Community protection officers will also be on patrol in the area for the duration of the fair and CCTV will be used to monitor the event and help deter and detect crime.

We want people to have a safe and enjoyable time, and our officers will be close at hand should any member of public need us.

As with any event of this nature, we'd urge people to be vigilant and as already stated to make sure you keep their valuables secure, we also advise parents and carers to arrange a pre-planned place to meet their children should they become separated.

We want everyone visiting the fair to have fun and go home safely. We hope you all have a fantastic time.

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Message Sent By
Amardeep Sandhu
(Nottinghamshire Police, PCSO, Radford)