WITH tickets going on sale from today (9 September) for the Paralympic Games, Police forces in different counties are joining together in issuing advice to make sure it’s the criminals who miss out.
Security planning and public safety is being built into all aspects of Olympic and Paralympic planning and delivery but there will be some people looking to take advantage of people hoping to enjoy the various events taking place. The rise in the use of the internet to purchase tickets and accommodation packages online, coupled with the huge expected demand, gives criminals new opportunities to sell non-existent tickets and steal personal and credit card details to use in other crimes.
Two million tickets will be made available for the Paralympic Games and the ticket process opens on 9 September and runs until 6pm on 26 September. By taking some simple steps, anyone buying a ticket can help avoid becoming a victim.
Superintendent Jerry Westerman, of Surrey Police Olympics Planning Team, said: “Although there are no Paralympic events taking place in the county, Surrey Police is joining other police forces as well as those serving in Kent Police to inform members of the public how they can avoid becoming a victim of crime. Criminals will be looking for ways to con and steal, either through selling fake tickets or setting up professional looking sites which may look honest, but could leave you a victim. There is some easy-to-follow advice which will help keep you safe and ensure you can enjoy the Games next year.”
If you’re buying a ticket for the Games, be aware of the following:
· In the UK the official place to apply for tickets is through the official London 2012 ticketing website at www.tickets.london2012.com. You can also apply with a paper application form within the official ticketing guide and application form from any Lloyds TSB branch, Bank of Scotland branch in Scotland or from any public library in Northern Ireland.
· Outside of the UK London 2012 Paralympic Games tickets will be sold through the country's National Paralympic Committee or their authorised ticket retailer from 9 September. You should check the London 2012 ticketing website for details of who these are for your country.
· The official application process for UK and EU residents for Olympic Games tickets is now closed. You should check the London 2012 ticketing site for details of future ticket sales and the latest information about the Games.
· There are only three official providers for Games Breaks and Hospitality Packages - these are:
o Thomas Cook - www.thomascooklondon2012.com
o Prestige Travel - www.prestigeticketing.london2012.com
o Jet Set Travel - www.jetsetsports.com
Other websites or companies will not be authorised to sell you a ticket as part of a package in the UK. Always check the terms and conditions to see exactly what you are being sold;
· If you get a ticket for an event you can't attend, London 2012 will operate an official ticket resale programme. Check their website checker at http://www.london2012.com/about-this-website/ticketing-website-checker.php for further details.
· If you find Olympic or Paralympic Games tickets for sale from any unauthorised source at anytime, don’t buy them. They are not genuine. Report it to your local police or London 2012 via brandprotection@london2012.com
Call 101 for all non-emergency policing matters.
Call 999 if you have a genuine emergency requiring the attendance of the police (eg a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger).
Call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you have information about crime and don't want to leave your name.
The Metropolitan Police has launched "Operation Podium", with a dedicated team to prevent and investigate a range of serious and organised crime affecting the Olympic economy. Established in June 2010, the team is funded through the Home Office Olympics safety and security budget.
For further information on the Olympic and Paralympic Games visit www.london2012.com
For more information call the Surrey Police Fast-Time Communications Office on 01483 632000 or email: fast-timecommunications @surrey.pnn.police.uk
For up-to-date news see our website at www.surrey.police.uk
Follow Surrey Police at www.twitter.com/surreypolice
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