Gloucestershire Constabulary has partnered with The Jockey Club and emergency services to coordinate an extensive safety strategy for this year's Cheltenham Festival. This collaborative effort seeks to ensure the internationally acclaimed racing event proceeds smoothly for both attendees and residents alike. Festival-goers will notice a visible security operation, including uniformed officers patrolling on foot and horseback as well as specialist armed response teams. Advanced surveillance technology will also be deployed, with police drones overseeing the venue to deliver a "neighbourhood-style" policing presence. Senior officers are leading a significant initiative to combat violence against women and girls through "Project Vigilant" across the four-day meeting. Dedicated teams will be observing crowds for predatory conduct, enabling officers to step in before offences can take place. The constabulary is calling on the public to take an active part in challenging harassment by adopting the newly launched "STOP" intervention approach. This initiative encourages bystanders to speak up, provide assistance, or create a distraction to safeguard those who may feel at risk in the evening economy. Additional patrols will be concentrated throughout Cheltenham's town centre to prevent anti-social conduct and provide reassurance to those living close to the racecourse. Officers and PCSOs will concentrate their resources on transport locations and licensed venues where alcohol-fuelled disruption is typically most common. A specialist Community Engagement Vehicle will be positioned in the town centre until midnight to provide a secure refuge for anybody requiring support. This mobile station will be backed by a dedicated CCTV van to deliver additional monitoring throughout the town's most crowded locations. Authorities have issued a firm "zero-tolerance" message concerning drug possession, with rigorous inspections being conducted at every racecourse entry point. Whilst amnesty bins will be available for voluntary disposal, anybody discovered with illegal substances faces instant removal or possible arrest. A stringent "no-fly zone" has been imposed above the racecourse to stop unauthorised drones from interfering with proceedings or putting the public at risk. Operators who disregard the daily limitations, which operate from 10.15am to 8.00pm, risk having their devices confiscated and facing criminal charges. Substantial travel disruption is anticipated on the county's roads, leading officials to recommend commuters verify live updates before beginning their journeys. Racegoers are being urged to make use of public transport to help ease the inevitable congestion around the renowned Prestbury Park venue. Security specialists are urging attendees to stay alert, arrive in good time for compulsory bag inspections, and ensure personal items are never left unsupervised. To tackle opportunistic criminals, police are also advising owners to register their mobile phones and electronic gadgets on the Immobilise database. EXPRESS SPORT ON FB!Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
