230,000 spectators but just five arrests at Dorney Olympic events (From Bucks Free Press)

230,000 spectators but just five arrests at Dorney Olympic events

3:15pm Monday 13th August 2012 in News By James Nadal

NEARLY 230,000 Olympic spectators flocked to Dorney Lake but there were just five arrests, officials announced today.

The home of the Marlow Regatta was visited by an average of 20,838 fans each day to see Team GB triumph with nine medals in total for rowing, and two for kayaking.

Police said despite the numbers the surrounding area experienced far less disruption than anticipated.

And only five arrests were made.

All of these, during the two weeks of the 2012 games, were for suspected ticket touting.

One man from Germany has been charged and will appear at court next week; two men were cautioned; one man was released without charge, and one man remains on police bail.

Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) John Campbell said: “I am delighted that the events at Dorney Lake have passed so smoothly and that spectators had the chance to experience some truly outstanding performances.

“The Olympics operation was unprecedented in its size and scale, presenting a number of logistical challenges, with large crowds to manage, road closures and parking issues. It required a huge amount of planning, but was very much a co-ordinated effort.”

He thanked everyone else involved in the operation and said Thames Valley residents appear to have been captivated by the Olympic Spirit.