After disruptions by activist group Just Stop Oil at high profile sports events through the spring and summer, SportsLens asked their traders to assess the likelihood of Just Stop Oil actions at future events. The Open Championship came out as favourite to be targeted with a 4/7 chance of the event being affected by a protest.
Merseyside police will be part of a large-scale security effort at Hoylake to prevent any disruption occurring. With over 260,000 spectators attending the championship through the week, it’s a significant task. Just Stop Oil has already targeted the Grand National, the World Snooker Championship, the Ashes and Wimbledon in 2023.
In a statement, Chief Superintendent Mark Wiggins of Merseyside Police explained the huge amount of work undertaken in conjunction with The R&A to ensure the event runs smoothly.
“The public should expect to see high visibility policing across the event as we complement and support other security agencies. There are a number of plans and processes in place to deal with any incidents that may arise and to prevent any significant or ongoing disruption to spectators and local residents and businesses,” he said.
“Anti-social behaviour, disorder and criminal activity will not be tolerated, and we will be robust with anyone who behaves in such a manner. Visitors can help the organisers by giving themselves extra time to get to the course, arriving in good time and limiting the number of bags and other items they bring along. They should also expect to undergo the normal security checks, including bag searches.”
Chief Superintendent Wiggins went on to explain that there will also be plain clothes officers operating at Hoylake.
“Additionally, we will be deploying Project Servator officers in uniform and plain-clothes. These officers are specially trained to spot the tell-tale signs that someone may have criminal intent, such as gathering information that may help them plan or prepare to commit a crime,” he said.
“During deployments, officers will encourage the public, including people working in local businesses and event security staff, to be extra eyes and ears, and report anything suspicious. If you do see a Project Servator deployment, there’s nothing to worry about. Feel free to talk to officers, they will be happy to explain what they are doing.”
Fathers For Justice campaigner struck at Hoylake in 2006
(Image credit: Getty Images)
The Open at Royal Liverpool has been targeted by protesters before….
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