Security plans make Wimbledon 'safest ever'

Preparations have been made to deal with everything from ticket touts to stalkers and terrorist attacks, according to Superintendent Pete Dobson.

Speaking on the first day of the tournament the Gold Commander, of Merton Borough Police, said security arrangements were six months in the planning.

He said: "We have to cater for all types of incursions, whether they be from terrorist groups, from single protest groups or fixated persons."

Asked about the possibility of a terror attack, he said: "We are very concerned because it is an iconic event televised live around the world.

"London is still at severe on the international threat level. We are extremely concerned."

He said there were "a number of specialist support units" available including explosives officers and CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) device teams.

Thousands of officers are available to call up "at a moment's notice".

"Should we have a dirty bomb scenario then we have resources to help us deal with that," he said.

But he added: "There is no specific intelligence directed to the tennis championships this year."

Mr Dobson said security staff at check points were on the look-out for members of protest groups such as Fathers 4 Justice, Plane Stupid and No Sweat.

Staff have been instructed to stop people wearing suspicious large coats and super hero outfits, or those carrying banners.

Mr Dobson said there were about 30 stalkers or "fixated individuals" from around the world who were unwelcome at the tournament.

"It's something we need to take account of. Most of those known individuals have had contact with law enforcement agencies throughout the world.

"You can't stop them turning up to a public space but they are not welcome to come into the club.

"Some of these individuals will move from one country to another to follow the grand slam around the world."

There are no new stalkers on the radar this year but Mr Dobson said about the individuals concerned have previously been warned to stay away.

Mr Dobson said this year security staff had been instructed to use "discretion".

For example, staff were advised to allow someone carrying a "small round-ended butter knife with a picnic" through the turnstiles.

"Every year we add value to the security plan and I am convinced that every year it is more secure than the year before.

"Every year should there be anybody with any hostile intent if they come down they will see things have moved on from previous years."

Ticket touts will be kept away from Wimbledon with the introduction of a temporary dispersal zone for the second year in a row.

The number of touting offences dropped from 200 in 2007 to eight last year and police believe the zone will have the same effect this year.

Anyone caught selling tickets faces immediate arrest but those suspected of ticket touting will be told to leave the zone and will be arrested if they return within 24 hours.

The two-week zone will apply to the area around the All England Club and include the areas around Southfields, Wimbledon Park and Wimbledon stations.

Police have written to between 15 and 20 known touts warning them to steer clear of the area until the championships finish.

Mr Dobson said: "The dispersal zone will (also) allow us to engage with anybody using anti-social behaviour, whether it be threatening, abusive or insulting."