CELEBRITY
“Taylor Swift Locked Down: Exclusive Inside Look at the High-Security Ring of Steel Surrounding Her Wembley Return!”
Taylor Swift has always been guarded by high ‘Presidential-level’ protection, but it’s reached new heights after the foiled terror plot in Vienna.
The Shake It Off stars’ shows scheduled for August 8-10 were cancelled in Austria’s capital after police arrested two people suspected of plotting a major attack at one of the concerts. They then arrested a third in connection to the attack. In the wake of the arrests, Wembley Stadium bosses say they have upped security and hired a counter-terrorism specialist.
Tonight’s Wembley gig will have iron-clad security, ensuring the safety of fans and Taylor Swift is of the highest protection. But ex Scotland Yard Detective and Counter-Terrorism Security Coordinator Philp Grindell told The Mirror there is a lot more that needs to be done to ensure the safety at high-profile concerts.
Concert organisers have ramped up the security for the London leg of her tour and Wembley Stadium has put guides online for fans attending shows this week. There have been additional measures taken – including non-ticket holders who won’t be allowed to hang around the stadiu. Fans will be prohibited from standing on the steps or around the stadium too, as well as banning any camping.
There will also be additional ticket checks by stewards around the stadium and organisers said: “Additional ticket checks will be in operation at points in and around the stadium prior to entry. Please have your tickets ready to show stewards when asked.”
Ben Knott, who is the operations director at FGH Security told TMZ that private security firms are working with police outside of events while keeping an eye on any suspicious behaviour. He added that it’s the job of counter-terrorism security to “look for strange people in the crowd” and that “if someone’s scanning the area for cameras and police, that would be a sign something’s not right, and security would approach.