Racegoers are being urged not to stay away from this year's Epsom Derby by police, who say tightened security means they will be safe from terrorist attacks. The row over who should pay for policing the event has been resolved for the time being, and Surrey Police are now stepping up security in the light of the recent attacks in Africa and the Middle East. Although police refuse to give specific details, they have confirmed they will be working with specialist officers from the Met in a low-profile surveillance campaign.

A police spokesman said: "We are aware of current threat levels and we will be taking appropriate measures. "We have been working with United Racecourses and some specialist officers. But obviously we wouldn't discuss the measures in detail."

The cost of policing the event runs into hundreds of thousands of pounds, and is a prime target for the raft of cuts Surrey Police are making as a result of their slashed government grant. Although arrangements for this year's Derby have now been finalised, talks are ongoing for the future. United Racecourses MD Stephen Wallis said: "We have an agreement which has provided for this year and part of that agreement is that we are still engaged in perfectly amicable negotiations."

The huge police operation is not solely targeted towards combating possible terrorism. Months of planning will be put to the test at the weekend, with the aim to keep crime as low as possible. Police are warning both residents and racegoers to be vigilant over the race weekend, particularly against bogus callers, pickpockets and cold callers offering to relay driveways or chop down hedges. And a dedicated phone line has been set up to alert police to serious concerns relating to the Derby weekend. The number is 01483 482703. The usual number of 0845 125 2222 should still be used for general policing or traffic inquiries.