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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Alexandra Topping

Undercover police join Wimbledon crowds in effort to stop protests

Spectators have their bags checked as they enter the grounds at the start of Wimbledon on Monday 3 July 2023
Spectators have their bags checked as they enter the grounds at the start of Wimbledon on Monday. Photograph: Zac Goodwin/PA

Undercover specialist police officers are being positioned in key spots in Wimbledon crowds and chalk has been banned from the tennis championships for the first time, as organisers attempt to thwart environmental protesters.

Sally Bolton, the chief executive of the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), said specialist behavioural detection officers (BDOs) would work with intelligence officers to identify and anticipate protesters from Just Stop Oil, who have disrupted a number of sporting events in recent months.

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