Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has gone behind the scenes at Surrey’s biggest pre-planned policing operation.
The Epsom Derby, which took place over the weekend, is one of the most significant sporting events in the county.
Officers, staff, and volunteers from Surrey Police and Sussex Police, including specialist resources such as planning, intelligence, drones, and public order, worked closely with The Jockey Club to ensure this year’s event was carried out safely.
A total of four arrests were made over two days in the area in and around the racecourse.
Lisa joined officers for Ladies’ Day, attending a morning briefing and travelling into Epsom town centre during the afternoon to talk to residents.
Extra powers
Police were handed extra powers during the weekend to tackle incidents of anti-social behaviour, crime and disorder. Officers were given a Section 35 Dispersal Order which covers all of Epsom, Walton Downs, and Langley Vale.
The order gives officers and PCSOs the power to remove individuals from a specified area where their behaviour is contributing, or likely to contribute, to anti-social behaviour, crime and disorder.
Lisa said: “The Derby is a real team effort, with officers and staff from across the Force supporting the operation in a number of roles, including neighbourhood policing, roads policing, public order, intelligence and drone operations.
“Their role to ensure the safe running of the Derby varies widely, from assisting with traffic management to investigating crime and providing a reassuring presence around the racecourse.
“Of course, the policing operation isn’t just confined to the festival itself, and across the weekend, teams minimised the impact on our local communities in the surrounding area with proactive patrols.
Commissioner’s thanks
“A huge amount of work goes on behind the scenes to make sure people at the festival and beyond have a safe, fun weekend, and I’d like to say a big thank you to all of those who worked tirelessly as part of this event.”
Chief Superintendent Graham Barnett said: “We have been policing the Derby at Epsom Downs for 26 years, but no two years are ever the same.
“Our officers, staff, and volunteers all worked incredibly hard this weekend to support the safe running of this event, which is the largest pre-planned policing operation in Surrey each year.
“Working closely with the event organisers and our local partner agencies, those who attended were able to enjoy the event safely.
“We appreciate this event can be disruptive for Epsom residents and those travelling through the area, and I’d like to thank the local community for their understanding and patience this weekend.
Four arrests
“Alongside supporting the safe running of the event itself, we also provided an increased policing presence in and around Epsom town centre throughout the weekend, and our teams worked tirelessly to prevent and respond to reports of crime and anti-social behaviour related to the Derby.”
On Friday, June 6, a 45-year-old man from North Cheam was arrested and cautioned for being drunk and disorderly. A 20-year-old man from Worcester Park was arrested on suspicion of assault. He has been released with no further action and dispersed from the area under a Section 35 Dispersal Order.
On Saturday, June 7, a 63-year-old man was arrested and given a community resolution for being drunk and disorderly. A 24-year-old man from Redhill was arrested on suspicion of assault and sexual assault by touching. He has been bailed while enquiries continue.