Gardaí tips to avoid tripping into Electric Picnic pitfalls in Laois
Gardaí say they want to help Electric Picnicers to stay safe in Laois when the travel to Stradbally from near and far for EP 2023.
They say they'll be on-site to help you should you require any assistance and please do not hesitate to contact them. Always call 999/112 in an emergency or you are in immediate danger.
They highlighted the problem of fake tickets and ticket touting.
Gardaí say they liaise closely with festival organisers and its promoter to prevent and detect fraudulent ticket sales and ticket touts, but you can help them by avoiding purchasing or obtaining a ticket for this sold-out event through an unauthorised seller.
They urge people to be aware that there is only one authorised seller for the event and that is Ticketmaster. As Gardaí will be unable to assist you with entry to the event if you have bought from an unauthorised source, they are asking that you are cautious of fake tickets.
They outlined some more picnic pitfalls.
"If you see tickets advertised on a third-party site or through a third party, it is highly possible to be ripped off and refused entry.
"‘Print at home’ tickets are not issued for Electric Picnic – please do not exchange money for these fake tickets.
"Another common scam occurs when genuine tickets have already been cancelled by the seller with Ticketmaster and are then sold to an unsuspecting buyer. It may appear to be genuine when received but will not scan when you arrive on site.
"To be as safe as you can and to avoid obtaining a fake ticket, do not buy from an unofficial ticket agent or online auction sites based either at home or abroad, said the gardaí.
To help prevent crime Gardaí issues some does and don't.
DON’T:
- Don’t bring valuables to the event. Only bring with you that you can afford to lose. There is no way to make a tent 100% secure, so only bring what you absolutely need.
- Don’t be tempted to leave valuables in your vehicle. Empty the glove box and leave it open to show thieves there is nothing of value inside. Remember where you parked your car. Car parks are clearly marked and identifiable.
- Don’t keep all your money, bank cards and valuables together. Keep them in different pockets.
- Don’t leave your backpack or handbag unattended.
- Don’t challenge people if you witness an incident.
- Report suspicious activity to event security, staff or Gardaí immediately.
- Remember, use your brain not your fists
DO:
- Remember there’s safety in groups, camp with friends or make friends with your neighbours - they will keep an eye on your tent while you’re gone and you the same for them!
- Remember where you pitched your tent. It will be dark when you return.
- Remember to use on-site lockups to store property each time you enter and leave the site.
- Remember to drink alcohol responsibly.
- Consider saving a contact number (other than your number) of a friend or family member as a screen saver which will help establish ownership of your phone should it be handed into us in An Garda Síochána or onsite security e.g., this phone belongs to (First name) if found please contact (number)
The Gardaí have also issued a traffic plan and an interactive traffic plan.
The Picnic runs from September 1 to 3 in Stradbally. Some campsites open on Thursday with entertainment on the day for the early birds.