Security is on alert for Dream Cruise after Barcelona attack

(WJBK) - It is a vehicle-centric event that thrives on large crowds, so the Oakland County Sheriff is aware of the challenges - but he says they had taken new security measures even before the latest attacks.

It is the largest one day celebration of classic cars in the world, drawing nearly a million spectators and enthusiasts along Woodward. But lately with those enormous crowds, comes cause for concern.

Most recently the terror attack in Barcelona, Spain - ISIS is taking credit for a van plowing into a crowd of people killing 13 and injuring 100 more.

And a case of domestic terrorism happened over the weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia, when a car plowed into a group protesting white nationalists. Heather Heyer, 22, was killed and many more wounded.

"It's incredibly sad and frustrating but that's the world we live in, those are the cards we have been dealt," Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard. "We hope and pray it doesn't happen but that is not a strategy for us, preparation is."

Bouchard was working to implement new security measures for the Woodward Dream Cruise months before the latest vehicle attacks.

On Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. - no vehicles over 10,000 pounds, no commercial vehicles and no trailers between Eight Mile to the loop in Pontiac.

It may be turbulent times for our nation and around the world, but it hasn't seemed to dampen the spirits of people who have already started showing up for the rolling car show.

"I suppose but I can't live my life worrying," said Mike Doherty. "We're going to France his year."

"It does (worry me) but I think people are a little more aware," said Marie Bonello. "They are looking out; they know it doesn't spoil anything for them. They are here for the cars."

They likely are, but as precaution and not just on cruise day, Sheriff Bouchard wants people to pay attention to what's going on around them.  If you see something suspicious - say something.

"Situational awareness be aware of what is happening," he said. "Notice your surroundings notice what cars are doing, notice what other people are doing."