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2012 Olympics is 'huge target' for terrorists, say Police
Last updated at 15:52pm on 19.10.06
Security will be a major concern for host city London's 2012 Olympic Games
The Metropolitan Police Commissioner said the 2012 Olympic Games in London will be a "huge target" for terrorists.
Sir Ian Blair said detailed security plans were being drawn up for the event in six years time, with a team of officers already working on the project full-time.
A new Assistant Commissioner will be appointed specifically to act as head of security for the games.
An estimated 200,000 people will be involved, including 70,000 volunteers, 40,000 construction workers, 30,000 security officers and 60,000 others.
The huge number of people involved will need to be vetted to see if they are a security risk or working illegally in the UK.
Sir Ian said a risk assessment had been carried out for the Olympic bid, but 24 hours after the games were announced, the July 7 bombings took place.
"There can be no doubt that the 2012 games - if the current threat scenario stays the same - will be a huge target and we have to understand that and work on that basis."
He went on: "There is no question that hosting an Olympic games in a liberal democracy rather than in China poses different issues.
"Everybody knows this is where the Olympics will be. It is our responsibility to provide secure arrangements for a safe and happy games."
Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur said three-monthly security risk assessments would take place to ensure any potential new threats were picked up.
Mr Ghaffur is currently responsible for the security of the games but will hand over to the new head of security when appointed.
He said issues such as human trafficking, illegal construction workers and counterfeit operations were issues being considered outside the terrorist threat.
But he said there was no specific intelligence about such operations at this early stage.
Mr Ghaffur said: "Taking the current threat in relation to terrorism, we are seeking to plan at the highest threat level.
"But we have no idea what the threat level will be in 2012.
"It would be wrong to say that there will not be some operational challenges and criminals doing their own planning.
"We will not tolerate criminal activity from those wanting to disrupt what is a major celebration for London, a showcase for London."
The Met was given £4.6 million to help prepare for the games but the Commissioner said it was impossible to predict the final cost to the force.
In addition to the Olympic games, large events such as Wimbledon, the Notting Hill carnival and the Queen's diamond jubilee will be taking place throughout the summer.
Reader views (2)
how would the terrorists be carried out at the 2012 olympics because it is a huge problem and we need to sort it out and we really should have the army having to secure the 2012 olympics because then we have the fire power if they do come and start with us.
- Jordain Irwin, leicester, 17/03/2009 15:19
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Despite the bill for security at the Athens Olympics escalating to about 10 times their original estimate, (and they hadn’t invaded Iraq or Afghanistan) the supporters of the London bid dismissed the criticism of the fact that in their submission, the cost of security was a fraction to that of Athens. Now the chickens are beginning to come home to roost. Just as the costs of virtually every aspect of the whole original shady transaction are inevitably starting to soar. I hope Londoners with still think it was all worth it when the final bill drops on their doorsteps.
- Sean Dunne, Lincoln, 19/10/2006 19:08
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