The Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro has praised the successful policing operation around a number of high profile events across the county which passed off peacefully over the last week.
Surrey Police, working together with their colleagues from Sussex, faced an unprecedented demand on resources to deal with hundreds of thousands of visitors to the two counties from elsewhere in the UK and abroad attending the events in both counties.
This included over 3,000 motorcyclists attending the 2019 Hells Angels Euro Run who gathered in Surrey and Sussex over the last week to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the organisation in the UK. It culminated in a ride out from Pease Pottage to Brighton and back on Saturday afternoon.
Officers made a number of arrests in connection with the event and Stop and Search powers were used to successfully confiscate offensive weapons and drugs as a mixture of both Surrey and Sussex Police officers were deployed working in collaboration with the National Crime Agency and Border Force UK.
The annual Investec Derby festival also took place over Friday and Saturday as thousands of spectators travelled to Epsom Racecourse to enjoy the racing. Seven arrests made over two days.
In addition, the Kemptown Carnival took place in Brighton attracting in the region of 30,000 people to the city alongside other day-trippers while business as usual policing was also busy with the warm weather and Champions League final on Saturday evening.
PCC David Munro said: “I would like to congratulate all those from Surrey Police, Sussex Police and other forces from around the country who assisted in what was a hugely successful operation over an extremely busy weekend.
“I have seen first-hand the huge amount of planning that has taken place over the last few months to ensure this last week was a safe and enjoyable time for visitors and residents alike.
“On behalf of the public, I would particularly like to thank all those officers and staff who had their rest days or annual leave cancelled in light of these events and commend their commitment to keeping our counties safe.
“The Hells Angels Euro Run was unusual in the sense that we have never had to police such an event before in Surrey. Although legal advice was sought around the staging of such a gathering, there was no legal basis in which the police could prevent it from taking place in the county.
“I am glad to see that so many race-goers had a fantastic time at the Epsom Derby. Surrey Police have been steadfast that any anti-social behaviour or criminal activity will not be tolerated and the small number of arrests shows that message was received quite clearly.
“I would also like to thank any Surrey residents who may have been impacted for their patience and understanding which has helped the success of the police operation over the last few days.”