Merseyside Police Out in Force to Ensure Safe Randox Grand National Festival

This week, the Randox Grand National Festival returns and as always Merseyside Police will be there to ensure racegoers and visitors to our city can enjoy the event, and our nightlife, safely. 

We’ve worked with our partners, The Jockey Club, MerseyTravel, British Transport Police and local councils in planning this incredible event so that racegoers and the public stay safe in our city. 

Superintendent Matthew Moscrop said: "For over 70 years our officers have been involved in making the Randox Grand National festival a safe and enjoyable occasion in Merseyside for the world to see.

"We want all of you who attend to be winners at Aintree this year so we are offering the best tips and advice to ensure everybody has a safe and enjoyable experience.

"We have a robust policing plan in place, as we would for any major public event, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.

"It's important to stress that we have been working with our partners for a number of months in the build up to this year’s festival to ensure that plans and processes are in place to deal with any incidents that may arise and to prevent any significant or ongoing disruption to racegoers and local residents and businesses. Anti-social behaviour, disorder and violence will not be tolerated. We will be robust with anyone who behaves inappropriately or criminally.

"Racegoers can help us by giving themselves extra time to get to the racecourse, arriving in good time and limiting the number of bags and other items they bring into the course. Bags should be no larger than a small handbag (30cm x 20cm x 10cm).

"Visitors should also expect to undergo 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.

"Cooperating with the security staff will ensure the queues are kept to a minimum. The security checks are there for everyone's benefit and the more cooperative and patient you are, the quicker the security and ticket staff can get everyone in.

"There will also be a visible armed presence again this year, and I want to reassure visitors that this is not in response to any direct threat aimed at the festival but just as part of our normal reassurance for everyone coming through the gates over the three days."

Large numbers of people are also expected to head into Liverpool city centre and town centres across Merseyside after each day’s racing to experience our bars, clubs and restaurants and we are reminding people to plan ahead, respect each other and enjoy themselves responsibly.

Supt Moscrop added: "Over the weekend, we know that many people will be heading into Liverpool city centre, both after the races and to watch the racing in pubs, and visitors can expect to see a highly visible policing presence. I would encourage you to speak to our officers, highlight any concerns or issues and report any incidents.

“We know that people will be keen to enjoy our vibrant nightlife after a day at the races and we’re linked in with CCTV operators and working closely with door staff, licensees and bar staff to help make sure you feel safe whilst enjoying a night out.

“Liverpool has been awarded Purple Flag status for the past 12 years and is one of the safest cities in the UK. Additional officers will be deployed in and around night-time economy locations, where they will be looking out for those engaged in predatory behaviour towards women and girls. If you see someone behaving in a way which concerns you, let us know.

"We simply will not tolerate any violence, antisocial behaviour or hate crimes and I would ask if anyone witnesses any of these that they speak to an officer on patrol or contact us directly. 

"We know that half of all violent crimes committed are alcohol-related so please think about how much alcohol you’re drinking this weekend. Drink sensibly so that you can enjoy yourself with friends.

“Alcohol related disorder will not be tolerated on the course, around it or in the city centre and local pubs and off-licenses will also be monitored to ensure people who are already drunk are not being served more alcohol.
 

"I would also like to take this opportunity to ask visitors to spare a thought for local residents, who accept the huge numbers of people visiting the area with very good grace every year. We ask that visitors show them the same courtesy and treat the area with respect. Officers on duty will be taking a common-sense approach but we are clear that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated. 

"We know local people worry about people urinating in the street and we can reassure them that officers will be dealing with the problem robustly.

"Whether you win or lose this Grand National our officers will be out and about to make sure that everyone can enjoy themselves. Have fun, look after each other and remember to report any incidents to our officers."