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Police Step Up Security For Woodward Dream Cruise

ROYAL OAK (WWJ) - Law enforcement will be out in full force along Woodward Avenue Saturday for the annual Dream Cruise.

Michigan State Police Lt. Mike Shaw said police will be very visible to make sure things go smoothly for the tens of thousands of people expected to line the Woodward strip.

"We will have our troopers out there, our deputies and also our officers will be walking around the area. So, we're just telling citizens that if they see something suspicious, be sure to say something. There will be plenty of law enforcement out here, just grab one of those guys and they'll take a look at it," he said.

Shaw said troopers will be on the lookout for things like unaccompanied backpacks and bags in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings.

"This is not a good time to leave any unattended bags out there, because we'll probably end up having the bomb squad coming out there and blowing it up," he said.

But it's not just suspicious packages they're looking for.

"People might be pick-pocketing, they might be reporting a drunk driver, or they may be reporting somebody that's getting belligerent. The Dream Cruise is a family event and we'd like to keep it that way," he said.

Officers will also be keeping a close eye on the drivers.

"Our main concern is, again, this is the start of the drinking and driving campaign. We don't want to see anybody out there on Woodward drinking and driving," he said, adding that

Shaw said there's one more big rule of the road that no driver should break during the Dream Cruise.

"Absolutely no tire squealing. We've been lucky so far, we've never had a car lose control and go up in the crowd, and we don't want this to be the first year that that happens. Things like that won't be tolerated. If a trooper or officer sees you squealing your tires, you can pretty much guarantee that you'll see a classic car on the back of a flat-bed," he said.

And if you're driving in the Dream Cruise, or just happen to get stuck in the traffic, Shaw said there's one thing you definitely should remember: be patient.

"Just be courteous. Understand that if you're out there, that you have to pack your patience with you. This is an event that attracts a lot of people and a lot of nice cars down there and we don't want anybody's cars ruined because somebody lost their patience," he said.

MORE: Guide To Woodward Dream Cruise 2013

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