London authorities and Wembley Stadium will be taking extra security measures when Taylor Swift returns to the stage, including measures specifically deployed to thwart potential terrorists, TMZ has learned.
Law enforcement sources tell TMZ that Taylor’s three upcoming shows at Wembley will rely on additional private security guards who specialize in counter-terrorism in response to the Vienna terror plot that was thwarted by US and Austrian authorities.
Private security forces are reportedly also set to be deployed as ongoing riots in London have put a strain on local police.
Our sources say Wembley Stadium generally has a high level of security and is one of the safest stadiums in Europe from a counter-terrorism perspective, especially when compared to similar stadiums, but concerns remain.
Our sources say a big problem for Taylor’s upcoming Wembley show will be protecting the crowds of Swifties that regularly gather outside her concerts.
Large crowds have already gathered outside her other concert venues in Europe, such as in Munich, and her most ardent fans will be gathering outside the venues even if they don’t have tickets, so they too need protection.
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TMZ.com
Ben Nott, operations manager for FGH Security in the UK, told TMZ …private security companies work alongside police outside fan events and are usually tasked with sniffing out suspicious characters.
He said counterterrorism security forces tend to have personnel in plain clothes or uniform whose job is to look for suspicious people in the crowds: If someone is scanning the area for cameras or police, it’s a sign something is wrong and security forces will move closer.
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In most cases, the tactic is taught to be friendly with suspicious people and ask if they need any help, but if security personnel sense the slightest hint of foul play, the police are to be called immediately.
The increased security and emphasis on anti-terrorism measures comes after Taylor’s Vienna concert was cancelled after three suspects were arrested on suspicion of plotting to detonate explosives inside the venue, causing numerous deaths and injuries to fans outside.
The Metropolitan police officially said there was “no indication that the matters being investigated by the Austrian authorities will have an impact on future events in London.”
However, the presence of anti-terrorism guards shows that Wembley Stadium, police and concert organisers are taking a safety-first approach to Taylor’s London show.
