Security experts share insights on keeping crowds safe ahead of Swift's Wembley shows

Record ID: 1834183

  • Title: Security experts share insights on keeping crowds safe ahead of Swift's Wembley shows
  • Date: 14th August 2024
  • Summary: HENLEY-ON-THAMES, OXFORDSHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM (AUGUST 13, 2024) (REUTERS) (SOUNDBITE) (English) MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE INTERNATIONAL PROTECT AND PREPARE SECURITY OFFICE (IPPSO), CHRIS PHILLIPS SAYING: "So you can use hostile vehicle mitigation measures. You can train staff in what to do and how to recognize suspicious behaviour. You can train them in what to do in the ev
  • Embargoed: 28th August 2024 10:08
  • Keywords: Concert Eras tour Fans Music Security Swifties Taylor Swift Wembley Wembley Stadium
  • Location: VARIOUS
  • City: VARIOUS
  • Country: UK
  • Topics: Arts/Culture/Entertainment,Europe,Music
  • Reuters ID: LVA008570709082024RP1
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Taylor Swift will take to the stage in London on Thursday (August 15), resuming the world's biggest ever concert tour amid tightened security concerns after her Vienna dates last week were cancelled when an Islamic State-inspired attack was foiled.
    Cheered on by 90,000 fans in the British capital's Wembley Stadium, Swift will return fuelled by the fearlessness, positivity, heartfelt lyrics, friendship bracelets and sequined outfits which have already made her into a global megastar.
    Behind the scenes, the "Cruel Summer" singer's team, the police, concert organisers and the venue are being extra vigilant to ensure the shows go ahead safely after last week's plot.
    Chris Phillips, an expert in counter terrorism said Wembley Stadium is prepared to protect big crowds, and putting on concerts like Swift's Era's Tour are “business as usual”.
    “This incident happened in Vienna just raises the temperature a little bit around security. You may well see more security guards doing more work outside the venue."
    Noah Price, G4S Academy International Director said that there have been improvements in collaboration between police, organisers and venue security since a suicide bomber killed 22 people at the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester seven years ago.
    There was nothing to indicate that the Austrian investigation would have any impact on events in London the city's police said, although experts said after Vienna measures would be reassessed.
    The main suspect in the Vienna incident who had also vowed loyalty to IS, was planning a lethal assault among the estimated 20,000 "Swiftie" fans set to gather outside Vienna's Ernst Happel Stadium, prompting the cancellation of all three shows due to security concerns.
    The 19-year-old, who quit his job less than two weeks before the planned attack, saying he "had big plans", has made a full confession in custody, according to authorities.
    Two other Austrian youths aged 17 and 15 were detained on Wednesday (August 7) over the alleged plot.
    The 17-year-old, who had been given a job with a company that was providing services at the stadium, has so far refused to give evidence, according to Karner.
    "The insider threat is the one that's capable of doing the most damage. "said Tim Gallagher, Chief Security Officer with global investigations firm Nardello & Co.
    Fans coming to Wembley will enter through metal detectors and are only allowed to bring one small bag. Glass and metal containers, laptops and umbrellas are all banned.
    Gallagher called this “owning the battle space”.
    “The stadium, you own it. You could wand people, you can have metal detectors that they walk through to get there.”
    “But the area just outside the vicinity and the transportation nodes, that's where the vulnerability is going to be,” he said.
    Tay-gating, the practise of gathering outside a Taylor Swift show without a ticket, like thousands did in Munich earlier in the summer, will not be allowed, as authorities try to reduce harder to control vulnerabilities outside the venue.
    (Production: Toby Melville, Paul Sandle, Millie McCaughan)
  • Copyright Holder: FILE REUTERS (CAN SELL)
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2024. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
  • Usage Terms/Restrictions: None
Register