Armed Police On Standby For Wimbledon Tennis Championships
Met has deployed its Project Servator team to prevent crime during the event
Armed police are on standby as the annual Wimbledon tennis Championships gets underway today (July 1), with the Met running a special operation to prevent crime until it ends on July 14.
They say a wide range of policing tactics will be deployed during the event, with officers will be carrying out high-visibility patrols in the local area, and firearms officers and a highly mobile reserve that can respond to emerging incidents will be on standby.
In addition, specially-trained officers from their Project Servator team will be deployed in and around the venue to deter and detect criminal activity, and provide reassurance. Officers will be working both in uniform and plain clothes.
Project Servator aims to deter, detect and disrupt a range of criminal activity, including terrorism, while providing a reassuring presence for the public. Its officers are experienced and specially trained to spot the tell-tale signs that someone is planning or preparing to commit an act of crime.
Superintendent Jo Edwards, who is in charge of the policing of this year's Championships, said: "It is fantastic that south west 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.”
July 1, 2019