Increased police presence in Chester to ensure safety of racegoers

Residents and visitors to Chester can expect to see an increased police presence in the city to keep racegoers and members of the public safe.

With thousands of visitors expected to descend on Chester for the latest fixtures at Chester Racecourse, additional patrols will be deployed across the next few days to help keep everyone safe.

Police in Chester are working in partnership with Chester Racecourse, who are providing passive drugs dogs to be deployed in the city centre as part of the operation. This is to help combat any criminality to ensure the safety of members of the public and racegoers in Chester, and improve the raceday experience for everyone.

A dispersal order will also be in place from 10am on Wednesday 8 May until 3am on Thursday 9 May. Further dispersal orders will be in place from 10am on Thursday 9 May until 4am on Friday 10 May, and 10am on Friday 10 May until 10am on Sunday 12 May.

The dispersal orders will allow officers to ban anyone from the city for up to 48 hours to prevent disorder.

It has been imposed under Section 34 of the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, making it an offence for anyone to return to a specific area for up to 48 hours.

The area covered by the order is highlighted in the attached mapped area. The map is provided to anyone issued with a direction to leave.

In addition to the dispersal orders, there will be a police presence both before and after the meetings to deal with any anti-social behaviour which may arise.

Inspector James Wilson said:

“The races are expected to bring thousands of visitors to the city this week and we hope everyone enjoys their time here.

“With this in mind, we are grateful to our partners at Chester Racecourse in providing drugs dogs which will be deployed in the city centre to help keep people safe.

“There will also be an increased police presence in the area, as well as the dispersal orders in place. These orders are an additional tactical option that allow us to directly combat anti-social behaviour head on.

“I would urge residents and businesses to continue to report any issues with anti-social behaviour.”

Anyone with information about anti-social behaviour in their area is urged to contact Cheshire Police via the Cheshire Police website or call 101.

Pictured - Dispersal order map of Chester.