JUST seven thefts have been reported at Camp Bestival so far - despite claims of widescale 'looting' on Sunday night.

Some families driven from the Lulworth Castle site by bad weather when the festival closed early on July 29 say their property had been taken by the time they returned the following day.

Festival-goers were told they could leave their belongings at campsites until 2pm on Monday. However, some returned to find their tents had been 'ransacked'.

Superintendent Mike Rogers, Dorset Police's gold commander for Camp Bestival, said: “We have been working with the organisers of Camp Bestival for the past six months to ensure the event - which attracts more than 20,000 people - runs as safely as possible.

“Sadly, inclement weather on the Sunday forced organisers to end the event early and our officers on site continued to support the event security teams with proactive, high visibility patrols around the campsite areas through to Monday lunchtime.

“Across the event, we received seven reported thefts, indicating a low crime rate given the size of the event.”

A spokesperson from the festival team said: "All allegations of theft are taken extremely seriously, and we are investigating all incidents as a matter of urgency."