POLICE officers will seen be "on every street" during Royal Ascot at York, the city's police commander said today.

Chief Superintendent Tim Madgwick said people would see "more police officers than they have ever seen" around the city when the five-day horseracing festival kicks off next week.

He was speaking to reassure residents concerned about the influx of hundreds of thousands of racegoers to York when high society and pageantry meet on Knavesmire.

Chf Supt Madgwick also said criminals hoping for an easy pay day during the meeting would find their cards marked by York police officers.

He revealed North Yorkshire Police were actively gathering intelligence on local and travelling criminals who "would be targeted if they decide to pay us a visit".

Detailed policing plans for the city during Ascot week have now been finalised and mean hundreds of officers will be deployed at York Racecourse and throughout the city.

"We are drafting in additional officers from across the county to cater for the additional demands that the race meeting and huge crowds of visitors will place upon us," Chf Supt Madgwick said.

"But at the same time normal policing services will be maintained throughout the city."

There will be a heavy police presence with high-visibility foot patrols on all marked pedestrian routes to and from the racecourse before and after each day's racing.

Officers from British Transport Police will be out in force in and around the Railway Station which will handle thousands of travellers each day.

During the evenings and into the nights there will be large numbers of uniformed officers patrolling the city centre and licensed premises until well after closing time.

Licensees have been working in conjunction with the police and have been advised to employ door stewards throughout the week.

"Policing will be fair but firm," Chf Supt Madgwick said.

"We want racegoers, visitors and residents alike to enjoy what should be a memorable occasion for everyone connected with the city. However, in order to achieve that, we will not tolerate yobbish, antisocial behaviour. Offenders can expect to be arrested.

"This is not just about the race meeting. We will still be in a position to respond to normal policing requirements within our local communities and that is vitally important to me as the local area commander.

"This is no doubt one of the biggest operations we have had to plan in the city's history, but we are well-practised in dealing with high-profile race meetings and large crowds.

"Our planning has been detailed and thorough and I am confident that Royal Ascot week will be very well policed."

Updated: 10:14 Tuesday, June 07, 2005