Wimbledon is one of the biggest tennis tournaments in the world and has superstar athletes such as Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal competing as well as royals in the audience. With such high-profile tennis players on the court and celebrities in the crowd, Wimbledon will be strict.
What police have said about security at Wimbledon
The Met Police have said how they plan to keep people safe during this year’s two-week Wimbledon Championships. In a statement issued by the Met Police, they have said that officers will be on the ground for the duration of the event, and there will be plain-clothed officers present.
The Met Police also stated that a “wide range of policing tactics will be deployed during the event to prevent crime.”
Superintendent Jo Edwards, who is in charge of the policing of this year’s Championships, said: “It is fantastic that southwest London hosts what is one of the most anticipated annual events in sport, attracting hundreds of thousands of tennis fans.
“It is our job to prevent crime and ensure everyone’s safety so fans can enjoy the spectacle, and we have been working closely with The All England Lawn Tennis Club, British Transport Police and other partners to help deliver a memorable event.
“All eyes will be on the world-class tennis on display, but we would urge people in the grounds and the local area to be vigilant and report anything unusual or suspicious to security staff and/or a police officer or by calling 999.”
What security will be present at Wimbledon
On Wimbledon’s official website, they stated that “there will be enhanced security measures in place for this year’s Championships.” The security for Wimbledon this year will include procedures from last year, such as; CCTV coverage, bag searches, vehicle searches, armed and uniformed police officers and sniffer dogs. Wimbledon’s official website also says there “will be visible physical security around the Queue, in the form of vehicle mitigation barriers.”
How the public can contribute to safety at Wimbledon
Spectators can also ensure that security and safety are adhered to at Wimbledon. Visitors should report anything suspicious to security, stewards or the police. Visitors should also allow plenty of time for entry into the grounds due to security checks/search procedures. In order to make being searched as quick as possible, visitors should bring a single-compartment bag that meets the size specifications. Visitors should also check Wimbledon’s official website to make sure they are up to date with the latest security requirements. Visitors should also make sure that they don’t bring any of the prohibited items.
Items that are banned at Wimbledon
These are a list of items that are prohibited at Wimbledon:
Any bag exceeding 40cm x 30cm x 30cm (16” x 12” x 12”);
– Hard-sided containers/bags – such as picnic hampers/cool boxes and opaque liquid bottles;
– Large vacuum flasks (over 500ml), travel mugs, camping chairs or other items of dual skin or tubular construction;
– Any item which may be interpreted as a potential weapon and/or compromises public safety, including sharp or pointed objects (e.g. knives, large corkscrews), ‘personal protection sprays and fireworks/flares;
– Large flags (over 60cm x 60cm (2’ x 2’)), banners, rattles, klaxons or oversized hats;
– Any objects or clothing bearing political statements or commercial identification intended for ‘ambush marketing, including items or objects given away as part of a promotional or marketing campaign by the third parties near the Grounds;
– Spray paints or other items which could, in the opinion of the AELTC, be used to sabotage or damage property;
– ‘Selfie sticks’ or equivalents.
According to Wimbledon’s official website, visitors who are in possession of prohibited items “may be refused entry or ejected from the Grounds, or asked to hand into left luggage.”
Concerns over Andy Murray’s safety at Wimbledon
There are safety concerns about tennis player Andy Murray’s opening doubles match at Wimbledon, and it could be scheduled on either Centre Court or Court One.
Organisers are concerned about the difficulty of getting such a high-profile player through the crowds to a more distant court, such as Court Two, safely.
Chief executive Richard Lewis said: “One of the major considerations for Andy, I think the first match, in particular, is safety. That restricts the number of courts he can be on.
“Obviously Centre and One are easy. I think once you get beyond Centre and One, it’s more problematic.
“After the first match, if the interest dies down a little bit, you might be able to have more flexibility where he plays. It would be probable, I think, depending upon what other matches are around, that he’ll be on one of the major show courts.”
Working in the security industry
Take a look at a typical work day of a security professional. In this one, we follow the journey of Sam Thompson, who works as a door supervisor in a theatre in Hammersmith.
How to work in the security sector
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