Southport racing fans Merseyside Police message ahead of the Grand National Festival at Aintree

With the return of the Grand National Festival at Aintree this week (April 7 - 9), Merseyside Police is offering advice to make sure that everyone can have a great time and enjoy the event safely.

The Grand National is one of the biggest events in the nation’s sporting calendar and the festival consistently attracts more than 150,000 people from around the world to Merseyside during the three days.

For the past two years, the event has unfortunately been unable to take place with spectators present due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

This week, the Randox Grand National Festival makes its much-anticipated return and Merseyside Police will be there to ensure that racegoers can enjoy the return of the event, and everything our city has to offer, safely.

In the run up to the festival’s return, we have been working closely with the Jockey Club team at the racecourse, local councils, Merseytravel 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.

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.

We are reminding people to plan ahead, respect each other and enjoy themselves responsibly.

Chief Inspector Matthew Moscrop said: “The Randox Grand National festival is a fantastic occasion which showcases everything that’s great about Merseyside.

"It’s been a difficult couple of years for many of us due to the pandemic, and we know that many people will have been looking forward to this weekend for a while. The festival is a highlight in the calendar of many visitors, businesses and residents and it’s great that the event is back again.

"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, so we are offering some tips and advice to ensure everybody’s day out runs smoothly.

"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. They should also expect to undergo the normal 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.

“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.

"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 reassurance for everyone coming through the gates over the three days.

"Over this 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 people to say hello to our officers, highlight any concerns 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 we’re working closely with door staff, licensees and bar staff to help make sure you feel safe whilst enjoying a night out.

“Operation Empower, aimed at preventing sexual violence within the city centre, will also be running this weekend.  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. We want people to ask themselves whether they want to have their evening ended early because they are refused entry to a venue having consumed too much alcohol, too early. 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 and offenders can expect to receive fixed penalty notices as a minimum if they are caught.

“Whatever horse you’re backing this weekend, 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.”

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.

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 give themselves extra time to make their journey.

The force has been working closely 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.

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 will be running on all three days to and from Liverpool and from Ormskirk. Racegoers are advised to check travel details before they leave home.

Information on buses and trains is available on the Merseytravel website - www.merseytravel.gov.uk, the Merseyrail website - www.merseyrail.org and via Twitter at @merseytravel or @merseyrail

Regular traffic updates will also be broadcast by local radio stations including Radio City, Capital FM, BBC Radio Merseyside and Heart North West.

More information can also be found on the official Aintree website: http://aintree.thejockeyclub.co.uk/