Yesterday Surrey County Council hosted a flag raising ceremony in support of LGBT+ communities.
The ceremony marks a week of special activities across the county including the first ever Surrey Pride event in Woking on Saturday.
The event will include a parade through Woking town centre at 11am and a ticketed event from 12pm at Woking Park.
Surrey Police has released advice for visitors.
Advice to visitors
Theft
Visitors can fall victim to petty crime, particularly pick pocketing. Remember the following:
- Don’t bring unnecessary bags to the event
- Don’t leave your property, including bags and mobile phones unattended and keep valuables close at all times
- Keep wallets and purses out of sight
- Remain vigilant and be aware of those around you
- Report any suspicious or criminal activity to officers
Hate crime
- Our LGBT+ Liaison Officers, who have specialist training in, and a specific understanding of, lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender issues, will be out and about on the day – please speak to them if you are the victim of hate crime
- If you need support right away or someone is in immediate danger, please call 999
- You can also call 101 to report a hate crime or to get support or advice.
Personal safety
- Be prepared and plan your route to and from the event in advance
- Try to travel with people you know and, where possible, stick to routes and forms of transport that others are using and avoid shortcuts in lonely places
- Bring a fully charged mobile phone
- Store all valuables out of sight
- Consider carrying a personal attack alarm
- Trust your instincts
Traffic advice
- Follow http://prideinsurrey.org/prideinfo for details of traffic and travel arrangements, as well as parking facilities.
Call 101 for all non-emergency policing matters.
Call 999 if you have a genuine emergency requiring the attendance of the police.
Call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 if you have information about crime and don’t want to leave your name.