97 held in pre-Olympics operation

Home Secretary Theresa May said she was confident police were taking a 'robust attitude' to organised crime ahead of London 2012
12 April 2012

Almost 100 people have been arrested ahead of the Olympics and all tents and encampments will be banned from the Games, the Home Secretary has said.

Theresa May said police and security teams were preparing for "all eventualities" and work was continuing behind the scenes.

With the Games six months away, Mrs May said she was confident police were taking a "robust attitude" to organised crime.

"The operation has already made nearly 100 arrests of organised criminals attempting to target the Games," she said.

A total of 97 arrests have been made as part of the national Operation Podium, including alleged ticket touts, people setting up bogus websites, and those accused of selling bogus hotel rooms.

"Police are sending a very clear message that we're not going to tolerate intrusions by organised criminals into the Olympic Games," she said.

"We are also helping the police and (organisers) Locog to deal with the other emerging threats that have faced the Home Office in recent months, such as encampment protests."

Strict security and screening measures will help stop any tents being taken into venues and organisers and police will respond rapidly to any incidents, she said.

"What I think is right is that we make plans for all eventualities. I can assure you the Metropolitan Police do have a robust attitude."

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