Bedford Police increase security at the Strawberry Festival
BEDFORD, Ohio (WOIO) - Police have made some security changes for this weekend’s annual Strawberry Festival.
Bedford Police said no minors will be permitted without a parent or guardian.
“We will not allow unaccompanied minors to destroy this festival like other area events. Too many people have enjoyed this festival to let a few bad apples ruin it for everyone,” posted Bedford Police on Facebook.
The past couple of years have seen a surge of chaos and violence at festivals.
Just last weekend, hundreds of kids left a festival in Gates Mills and caused havoc in neighboring Mayfield Heights.
In Bedford, police and organizers are encouraging everyone to come out to the festival, but want to make it safe and enjoyable for all who do.
“We will have officers in the area just kind of patrolling and if we see a group, we will stop and speak with them. If they are there with them on adult, we’ll ask them to find that adult and stay with them. If they’re not and they are underage, we will just ask them to leave the premises,” said Chief Mike Stask of the Bedford Police Department.
“It’s just a really family friendly friendly event and we want to keep it that way. We want the kids here but. Not. 15 kids who want to cause trouble, so we want to stop that. But want everybody to come and have fun,” said Betsy Lee, a co-chair of the Strawberry Festival.
The festival runs Friday, June 13 through Sunday, June 15 at Bedford Public Square.
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