Surrey Police ask public for help over Olympics

Members of the public are being asked by police to help make Surrey a safe place during the Olympic Games.

The county is hosting the cycling road races and time trials and is part of the Olympic torch relay route.

Surrey Police wants people to report anything they hear or see, including information on the internet, that appears suspicious.

The force said it would assess any information it receives and react proportionately.

'Attractive target'

The Olympic events make Surrey "an attractive target for some individuals or groups, who see it as an opportunity to commit crime, or disrupt the events in the county", according to police.

Ch Supt Gavin Stephens said: "As we saw earlier this year with <link> <caption>the boat race</caption> <url href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-18179494" platform="highweb"/> </link> it only takes one individual intent on criminal behaviour to spoil enjoyment for millions of people.

"That individual posted something online before he swam out across the Thames."

Ch Supt Stephens said information could be reported anonymously through Crimestoppers.

He added: "We will ensure protesters are given their lawful right to peaceful protest, while working to keep local residents safe.

Ch Supt Stephens said the force's main concerns were crowd and traffic congestion during Olympic events.