RACEGOERS attending today's finale to the Ebor Festival at York Racecourse were being warned to take extra care of their property after a spate of pickpocket thefts.

Chief Superintendent John Lacy, York police commander, issued the warning after a "professional team" targeted spectators during Tuesday's first day of the popular festival of racing.

Chief Superintendent Lacy said officers responded to nearly a dozen incidents on Tuesday, with thefts ranging from £100 to one incident of £600. That has led North Yorkshire Police to bring in extra high-visibility patrols at Knavesmire and use more plain clothes officers.

On-course bookies operating in the Knavesmire Stand have also been asked to be on the lookout.

Mr Lacy said: "On Tuesday, police with loudhailers went in front of the Knavesmire Stand to alert punters that professional teams of pickpockets were working in the area. We have instigated high-visibility patrols in areas of the course and plain clothes officers are also working to try and tackle the problem.

"We are urging people to be extra vigilant when coming to the races for the final day of the Ebor Festival."

Mr Lacy said that only one person had been arrested, a youth for being drunk and disorderly, during the first day's racing.

Updated: 10:53 Thursday, August 21, 2003