30 May, 2017 16:05 News

Following months of planning and preparation in conjunction with Epsom Downs Racecourse, officers and staff are ready to welcome visitors to the Investec Derby Festival.

Surrey Police, alongside event organisers and partner agencies are putting the final plans in place to ensure those attending the races have a safe and enjoyable two days.

The two day festival compromises of the Investec Ladies Day on Friday 2 June and the Investec Derby Day on Saturday 3 June. Every year millions of people worldwide tune in to watch the Derby as all eyes fall on the county.

Chief Superintendent Jerry Westerman, said: “The Investec Derby Festival is a fantastic event which attracts thousands of people every year and we are proud to host such a prestigious event in our county.

 “This year in light of recent attacks in Manchester, Westminster and around Europe and elsewhere around the world we have reviewed our policing approach with the racecourse and with our partner agencies. People attending will notice tighter security measures and firearms officers in and around the racecourse grounds.

“I would like to stress that this is not in response to any specific intelligence in relation to the event.

 “While security measures have been put in place we would still like to remind people to be vigilant and report anything suspicious.  There will be greater numbers of police and security staff on duty and those attending should anticipate being searched on entry in order to keep everyone safe.

“The Epsom Derby is a fantastic event which attracts thousands of people and spectators from around the world and I am confident that this year’s festival will be no exception.”

Terrorism – reporting suspicious behaviour

Suspicious activity is anything that seems out of place, unusual or just doesn’t seem to fit in with day-to-day life - let us decide if it is important. Don’t worry about wasting our time. Action will only be taken after appropriate checks have been made.

Examples of suspicious activity could include someone:

  • Who appears to be carrying out surveillance in person or online; taking photos of security arrangements for example;
  • Who has illegal firearms or other unlawful weapons or has shown an interest in getting them;
  • Who is visiting the dark web or is ordering suspicious items online;
  • Who has bought or hired a vehicle in suspicious circumstances;
  • Who has bought or stored large amounts of chemicals, fertilisers or gas cylinders for no obvious reasons, or is researching acquiring these items;
  • Whose behaviour has changed into a violent extremist nature;
  • Who is carrying out suspicious financial transactions;
  • Who holds passports or other formal identification in different names for no obvious reasons.

Theft

Visitors 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

Traffic advice

To manage traffic demands and minimise disruption to the residents of Epsom, many roads around Epsom Downs will have temporary altercations.

Waterloo Road will be closed around Epsom Railway Station as part of plans to accommodate all visitors arriving in the centre of Epsom on Derby Day. Traffic is also likely to remain slow around Station Approach during peak hours.

Updates on the policing operation can be found on @SurreyPolice Twitter and Facebook.