Merseyside Police is ready to welcome the thousands of visitors heading here this week for the Aintree festival (April 9- 11) and is offering advice to make sure they have a great time and enjoy the event safely.
The Grand National is one of the biggest events in the sporting calendar and consistently attracts more than 150,000 people during the three-day festival.
Despite the attendance figures, the festival has an excellent record of deterring crime and anti-social behaviour and the force has been working with the race course and the Jockey Club, local councils, Mersey Travel and other partners to plan the event with public safety as a priority.
As a result, racegoers should expect to undergo a series of security checks, including bag and transport searches and badge checks. Only pre-booked vehicles will be allowed onto the Aintree site and there are restrictions on parking around the course which will be rigorously enforced.
Police Commander, Superintendent Dave Charnock, said: “Aintree is always a fantastic occasion which attracts visitors from across the world and I am confident this year’s festival will be no exception.
“We want people to have a safe and enjoyable time and make sure their day at the races is memorable for all the right reasons.
“Racegoers can help us by arriving in good time and limiting the number of bags and other items they bring into the course. Co-operating with the security staff will ensure the queues are kept to a minimum and people can be in their places in plenty of time for the first race. The security checks are there for everyone’s benefit and the more co-operative and patient people are, the quicker the security and ticket staff can get people in.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to ask racegoers to spare a thought for residents, who accept the huge numbers of people visiting the area with very good grace. We’d ask visitors to show local people the same courtesy and to treat the area with respect. Officers on duty will be taking a common sense approach but I want to make it clear that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.”
Forged badges
Anyone thinking of using forged tickets or badges should be warned that there are comprehensive checks in place to stop them getting into the course and they are at risk of being arrested. Operations are also in place in the lead up to the event to prevent sales of counterfeit badges or tickets and target offenders.
If you buy a forgery, you are supporting an illegal trade and handing your money over to criminals. If you think you have unwittingly bought a forged ticket, or have information on where they are being sold, please call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Alcohol consumption and anti-social behaviour
Alcohol related disorder will not be tolerated either on the course or in the surrounding area. Local pubs and off-licenses will also be monitored to ensure people who are already drunk are not being served more alcohol.
We also know local people are still worried about people urinating in the street and we can reassure people that officers will be dealing with the problem robustly and offenders can expect to receive fixed penalty notices as a minimum if they are caught.
Too much alcohol also lowers people’s awareness levels, making them more likely to fall victim to crime. Drinking sensibly will help prevent you or your winnings becoming a potential target for criminals.
Theft
Race goers can fall victim to petty crime, particularly pick pocketing. To help make sure you don’t fall victim remember the following:
• Don’t bring unnecessary bags to the event
• Don’t leave your property, including bags and mobile phones unattended and keep valuables close at all times
• Keep wallets and purses out of sight
• Remain vigilant and be aware of those around you when placing bets and collecting winnings
• Report any suspicious or criminal activity to officers in and around the course
Travel advice
Racegoers are being advised to plan their journey in advance and to consider using public transport to get to the Festival.
The force has been working hard with a range of partners to make sure people are aware of their travel options and the restrictions on parking around the course. During the meeting the roads around the racecourse can become congested and some are closed to traffic.
An enhanced train service will be in operation at key points throughout the festival and race-goers are urged to consider using public transport. Those who do travel by car are advised to car share where possible or get a friend or relative to drop them within a walkable distance from the course, and leave plenty of time to get into the event for the start of the racing programme each day.
Parking facilities close to the course are severely limited and there is an extensive “No Waiting” area around it. Traffic will be strictly controlled and enforcement carried out in line with the security operation and taking into account the needs of local residents in the surrounding streets.
Aintree railway station is one minute walk from the main entrance to the racecourse. Regular trains run every eight minutes on race days to and from Liverpool and from Ormskirk. For full information about buses and trains contact the Merseytravel Travelline on 0871 200 2233.
Regular traffic updates will be broadcast by local radio stations including Radio City, Juice FM, BBC Radio Merseyside and Heart North West.
More information can be found on the official Aintree website: http://aintree.thejockeyclub.co.uk/
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