Security equipment and a helicopter were part of Merseyside Police’s Aintree Operation during the recent race festival.
The Eurocopter C135, bought by the Force in 2002 has just been fitted with a spotterscope system to enable officers to check the registration numbers of cars from the sky.
Also used was ANPR (Automated Number Plate Recognition). CCTV was inside and outside on every entrance of the racecourse. There were, according to the force, a large number of uniformed and undercover officers on patrol during the festival and what police called a comprehensive search operation in place for those entering the course. Racegoers passed through airport style security arches. To speed up the process officers are advised people not to bring unnecessary bags. Besides searching the public, all vehicles entering the site could be subject to searches. Everyone from competitors to caterers vehicles could be searched by the force’s drugs and explosives dogs.
International event
Chief Supt Dave Lewis said: "The Aintree Festival is a major international event, which attracts thousands of visitors to the area year after year, and Merseyside Police with Aintree management work together to ensure that it is a safe event which can be enjoyed by everyone.
"Merseyside Police has carefully assessed the policing requirements for the three days and will be providing appropriate resources throughout, to complement the security measures already put in place by Aintree management. There will be a wide range of police tactics, many of which will not be overt, to ensure the safety of those attending the event.
"It is important to stress that there is no specific threat relating to the Aintree Festival. But race goers planning to attend the event should rest assured that since the evacuation in 1997 following a false bomb call, the Force has been acutely aware of the dangers of the possibility of a terrorist threat. Since then we have developed hi-tech security arrangements and we work in partnership with Aintree to ensure there is sufficient security. The force, working with other emergency services, has developed an extensive and comprehensive range of contingency plans to deal with all manner of eventualities."
