Security Stepped Up at All England Club

WIMBLEDON, England, July 2, 2007 — -- With the security status in England now being classified as "critical," Wimbledon has taken major steps to beef up safety around the All England Club where the event is held.

The move comes on the advice of police following events in London and Glasgow last week.

The most recent measure came around 4 a.m. this morning, as concrete barriers were placed in front of gates, preventing vehicles from entering the premises. Everyone, including players, must enter the venue on foot.

"I think that Wimbledon has to do the best thing that they can do to put on a successful event safe for the competitors and for the fans," Venus Williams said in a press conference. "So whatever it takes, in this day and age, I think is necessary."

Ian Ritchie, chief executive of the All England Club, doesn't believe the new procedures will affect the psyche of the players. "I think most players are familiar with security measures," he told ABC News. "They have accepted that they have to go through these sorts of things and I think the positive side is that they want to see steps being taken. I think that's true for most spectators, as well."

The mood among tennis fans in the stands of Wimbledon has been surprisingly upbeat. They echo the sentiments of many people in and around London, and that is they are determined not to let the threat of terrorism take over their lives.

"If you don't go on with your life, the [terrorists] win," Sam Boyca, a spectator, told ABC News. Adds Debbie Vivian, who waited in line for an extra 20 to 30 minutes this morning, "I'd rather them be safe than sorry here. [The new security measures] are definitely an inconvenience, but I'd rather they keep up safe because big events like this are a target for terrorists."

Security is nothing new to Wimbledon. Days before the event even kicks off, bomb sniffing dogs scour the grounds in search of suspicious scents and bags are checked upon entering the gate.

Since the bomb scare in London last week and the attack in Glasgow, the dogs have picked up their patrol of the grounds and security personnel have become increasingly more visible, keeping their eyes peeled for suspicious activity.

Helicopters have begun to patrol the sky on a more regular basis, and each and every bag is thoroughly checked by a security office before you are allowed to enter the venue.

The search has become more thorough to include umbrellas, which are now required to be opened and checked. And laptops are powered on to ensure they are real and not disguised as an explosive device.

"The safety and security of all those who attend the championships, in whatever capacity, is of paramount importance to us and I am sure everyone will understand why these sensible precautions are necessary," Ritchie said.