POLICE have pledged to get tough on pickpockets to ensure punters lose money in more traditional ways at Royal Ascot.

Seasoned race-goers expect to be hit in the wallet after a few trips to the bookies.

But a visit from a pickpocket in bustling crowds can turn a fun day at the races into an even more costly experience.

In an attempt to prevent problems when the Royal event comes to York in mid-June, the city's Safer York Partnership (SYP) will be out in force for Ascot week.

SYP leader Jane Mowat said police and community safety bosses were aiming to keep crime down at York Racecourse during the flagship event.

She said: "As a popular tourist destination, York is always busy, but we are anticipating an additional 55,000 people per day during Ascot week.

"So there is increased potential for crime which we must first acknow-ledge, then seek to deter".

Pick pocketing, theft and vehicle crime are the main focus of the crime prevention campaign.

Ms Mowat said: "We want our visitors to leave with their possessions intact, and with fond memories of their visit.

"It is widely known that crowds present opportunities for pickpockets, while alcohol causes people to drop their guard, so the combination of the two could have devastating consequences for the unsuspecting victim".

Tactics outlined today include:

A mobile police unit positioned on Knavesmire

SYP team members patrolling car parks

A poster campaign asking visitors to be alert to the dangers of pickpockets

A free mobile phone marking service.

Police Area Commander Tim Madgwick stressed regular local policing would not be compromised - and stressed it would be "business as usual" in York for Ascot.

He said: "Our aim is to ensure that both residents and visitors get the policing they deserve.

Updated: 12:23 Thursday, May 26, 2005