Crackdown on ticket touts in south-east England

Police forces are backing a campaign to raise awareness of fraudulent tickets

Police have launched an awareness-raising campaign focusing on ticket touts as figures reveal festival and concert-goers in Kent and Surrey have lost thousands of pounds buying from fraudulent sellers.

A total of 190 reports were made in Kent in 2023, amounting to more than £150,000 being lost.

And Surrey Police received 146 reports, equating to £83,000 lost to ticket touts.

Both forces are backing a UK-wide ticket fraud awareness campaign, led by Action Fraud, ahead of the summer festival season.

Across the country, more than 8,700 people reported ticket fraud last year with a total of £6.7m being stolen.

Eddie Kemsley, from Dreamland Margate, which hosts dozens of concerts throughout the year, said: "Ticket fraud is a very real problem for the live entertainment industry.

"It is imperative that anyone purchasing general release or resell tickets, does so through an authorised ticket agent."

'Legitimate'

Det Insp Helen Smithers, from Kent Police’s economic crime unit, said: "The biggest events sell out very quickly and criminals are quick to take advantage of those who are desperate to see their favourite musicians or sports players in person.

"As tempting as it may be, please do not purchase tickets from a website or individual unless you are entirely confident they are legitimate and can be trusted.

"Also remember that if a deal seems too good to be true, it usually is."

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