Armed police "will be on patrol at Wimbledon next week as part of heightened security measures for the championships," according to Martyn Ziegler of the LONDON TIMES.
The All England Club "increased the numbers of their private security staff and the Metropolitan Police will provide armed officers both inside and outside the venue to protect the half a million spectators who are due to descend on the showcase event of British tennis over the fortnight." The security level has increased for the championships "in the wake of the terrorist attack on the France v Germany football match in Paris in November." Armed officers "were used at Wimbledon last year but on a lower scale, specifically on the 10th anniversary of the 7/7 attacks in London." The security plan "covers both the grounds inside the gates and the queue of the several thousand fans waiting to gain admittance via day passes." Every visitor "will have their bag searched by security staff and Wimbledon has asked fans to allow time for those measures to take place, to expect that there may be some delays, and to ensure that they do not try to bring prohibited items inside the venue."
Bags are restricted in size to 40cm x 30cm x 30cm, the size of a small backpack, and "must be soft." Hard-sided cases "will not be permitted." Any item that "could be used as a weapon, including corkscrews and knives, can be confiscated" (LONDON TIMES, 6/21).
