Head of security contact

[Laterontoday]

Does anyone here know the name of the Head of Security at the Arena? I would like to contact them to understand the justification for the now robust pat down we are given when entering the ground. More I’d like to know the justification for patting down a 9 yr old. Not just a pocket check but full head to ankle pat down.

I appreciate and support bag checks and have never objected but since the round ball came back we all seem to be tarred as being of the same brain dead metaility. How do security cope with fans of opposing teams all sitting in the same row?

I have never been patted down at any other rugby ground. It’s getting worse.  I’m expecting body scanners and full segregation for the tigers game.

Is the CBSA the hot bed of rugby hooligans and crown unrest.

[JonnyD]

If the UK terror threat level is still at severe then I believe  they are just doing their job.

[Heathen]

There are two contact numbers :

Wasps : 02476 786 411

CBS Arena : 02476 933 444

Try the arena number first. They would be the best option for getting the info that you require.

[RogerE]

If the UK terror threat level is still at severe then I believe  they are just doing their job.

However why is it, apparently, only at Wasps it is being done?

I have friends who, for some reason, support other teams and who between them have been to Bath, Gloucester, Saracens, Harlequins and Irish in the last few weeks and none of them have been "patted down" at any of those venues.

[JonnyD]

If the UK terror threat level is still at severe then I believe  they are just doing their job.

However why is it, apparently, only at Wasps it is being done?

I have friends who, for some reason, support other teams and who between them have been to Bath, Gloucester, Saracens, Harlequins and Irish in the last few weeks and none of them have been "patted down" at any of those venues.

Not sure I can argue against things being done to protect the public’s safety like this.
Doesn’t matter how much of an inconvenience it is or how much more civilised we believe we are over football fans or whatever, there are bag checks, metal detectors, shoe checks and people being patted down at many events and circumstances.
My 10 year daughter and I were both patted down on a recent flight out of Heathrow, my other daughter the other night in a night club and this was also done to all students at a previous school I taught at.

I am not sure why other clubs are not more strict with this or whether we have a security contract that carries out uniform practice on a venue containing football, rugby, alcohol and gambling, who knows; what I do know however is that if, God forbid, something terrible did happen at the CBS as a family member of mine experienced at the Manchester Arena in 2017 then we’d all be absolutely screwing about why security wasn’t tighter.

[Chunky24]

I've always wondered at numerous events and places why my / all children are allowed to walk in totally unchecked, anyone unscrupulous / desperate enough to want to take something in probably isn't going to be worried about using a child to get it past security.

[Laterontoday]

Sorry I wasn’t particularly looking to start a debate as such but looking for a contact at the club to seek clarification from.

Bag checks have always been in place at every ground for every sport to protect against a very serioes incident. I have no issue at all with that. If there is a threat at CBS then I have no issue with increased security. I have no issue with the security steward who did pat down my 9 yr old nephew, he looked just as awkward doing so as the rest of the queue. He was simply doing as he is instructed to do.

Children and woman get the full pat down at round ball games because yes anyone looking to take that knife, smoke flare etc into a ground just gives it to their child to carry in. My point is have we as rugby fans at the CBS been assesssed as high risk points of disorder this season.

[InBetweenWasp]

Be interesting to see whether you get a reply.  I suspect it’s one of those where they can’t say too much.

Perhaps it’s venue specific in relation to the National Threat Level, or perhaps there’s been a specific threat (in which case they definitely wouldn’t confirm as it might spook punters).

[wasps]

Maybe the size of the stadium puts it in a different threat bracket to other rugby grounds which requires additional security at certain times

[MarleyWasp]

Going slightly off topic, this thread reminded me of this excellent letter sent in to an Australian newspaper several years ago.

[wasps]

Going slightly off topic, this thread reminded me of this excellent letter sent in to an Australian newspaper several years ago.

Sounds like the kid practically assaulted the security guard

[Steve from Cov]

If the UK terror threat level is still at severe then I believe  they are just doing their job.

+1.

It gives people peace of mind too.

[Neils]

If the UK terror threat level is still at severe then I believe  they are just doing their job.

+1.

It gives people peace of mind too.

That was what we were told a couple of games ago - increased security meant all need a pat down search.

[SilverShire]

I'm all for the added security measures, it's important that everyone feels safe at the venue.

Was patted down at Twickers for the England vs Tonga game.

[bigad82]

I think the reason the CBS is the only rugby ground doing the pat downs is it is classed as a major venue.
With the terror threat being what it is I don't think they have any choice under the safety at sports grounds act.