Merseyside Police has issued advice for people attending the Grand National.
The Grand National Festival will take place from Thursday to Saturday (April 13-15). Thousands of people will descend on Aintree Racecourse over the three days, while Liverpool city centre is also expected to be busier than usual during the festival.
Superintendent Matthew Moscrop issued advice for people going to the races and those heading into town afterwards.
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He told the ECHO: "We want people to plan ahead, plan the journey.
"If you go by train, you can get off right opposite the entrance (to the racecourse). There is very limited parking available, the on-site parking is only available to pre-booked.
"Think about what you're bringing, they don't let large bags into there, so if you have to bring a bag, make sure it's a small one. And allow time for the searches coming into the event.
"People should pace themselves through the day, look after yourselves, keep your wits about you and enjoy the day."
About people heading into the city centre after the day's racing, Supt. Moscrop said: "We know that people make a day of it and make a night of it as well. We know there will be more people in the city centre, so we have more police officers working there.
"People will see an increased presence and we ask people to engage with our officers, if they have any concerns, let us know. For those who are going out in the evening, just make sure you pace yourself - if you're trying to be drinking all day and all night then you're going to struggle to look after yourself and the day won't be what you've planned.
"Just be sensible but there will be plenty of police about to make sure that people are safe."
He added: "If people are going into the city centre, people know this is a safe city centre, it's got Purple Flag status (places that meet or surpass the standards of excellence in managing the evening and night time economy) for the last 12 years. So people are able to enjoy themselves safely.
"We just ask the people to be alert. They'll see plenty of police officers about and if they've got any concerns at all, then please speak to us and we'll do what we can to help."
Supt. Moscrop urged those attending to be aware of their alcohol consumption throughout the day and night.
He said: "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. 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-licences 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.
“Whether you win or lose this Grand National 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.”
Everton will host Fulham in a crucial Premier League encounter at Goodison Park at 3pm on Saturday - the same day as Aintree's showpiece Grand National Steeple Chase. Supt. Moscrop said the force has put in place plans to deal with both busy events.
He said: "They are two big events, but we have prepared for it. The planning for the Grand National Festival starts a year before - as soon as we've finished one year, we're planning for the next one to make sure there are resources in place.
"The football fixture calendar has also been out for a while, so we make sure that we've got sufficient officers covering that event as well."
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