Taylor Swift's fans should be vigilant about falling victim to criminal activity as the pop star's Eras Tour returns to London, an expert advises.
In the lead-up to Swift's London shows, the city's police said that a foiled attack on Vienna that might have targeted the star's concerts there should have "no impact" on the singer's tour dates in the U.K. capital.
Event organizers canceled three shows Swift was set to hold at Vienna's Ernst Happel Stadium last week as part of her tour, following the arrest of two people in Austria. Authorities said the two suspects were planning attacks inspired by the Islamic State militant group (ISIS). A third person was arrested shortly afterward.
Swift is scheduled to play five dates at London's Wembley Stadium, from Thursday to August 20. Around 450,000 attendees are expected to attend the sold-out shows, which are occurring not long after the Vienna plot made headlines.
In a statement, London's Metropolitan Police told Newsweek there is "nothing to indicate that the matters being investigated by the Austrian authorities will have an impact on upcoming events here in London."
However, fans planning to attend the concerts have been warned to be vigilant all the same, as there are other risks posed by large gatherings.
Adam Bennett, digital marketing manager at Digital ID, a company that specializes in identification solutions, stresses the importance of being able to quickly identify staff members at an event, which is important for safety and peace of mind.
"Criminals may attempt to exploit the crowded environment by pickpocketing, impersonating staff or selling counterfeit tickets," Bennett told Newsweek. "These actions can result in not only the loss of personal belongings but also safety concerns for concert-goers."
He continued: "While Wembley Stadium will likely have advanced physical security measures in place, including surveillance and crowd control, the tactics of criminals continue to evolve. Fans and concertgoers should be aware of these risks and take precautions, such as keeping a close eye on their belongings and being cautious of anyone who seems out of place."
Bennett further warned that counterfeit passes and staff accreditations at concerts are becoming increasingly sophisticated, creating significant security risks.
"Passes and lanyards typically feature logos, event names and specific color schemes," he said. With these designs being shared online or leaked, it's easier for counterfeiters to create copies.
"Individuals with fake passes can gain access to restricted areas, including backstage, VIP sections and secure zones. This can lead to theft, harassment or more severe security breaches and even triggering emergency responses," Bennett said.
He went on: "If staff are not easily identifiable, it becomes easier for unauthorized individuals to impersonate them, potentially leading to security breaches or scams.
"Staff should be knowledgeable about the event and their specific duties. If someone with a lanyard seems uncertain, overly aggressive or avoids questions, they might not be legitimate, and this should be reported immediately," he said.
Bennett has other advice for fans attending Swift's shows:
Watch out for impersonators: Be extremely cautious of individuals claiming to be staff members or offering special services. Lanyards worn around the neck are easily visible, allowing both concertgoers and other staff members to quickly identify someone as part of the event team. Authentic lanyards will typically feature specific event branding, color coding or holograms that are difficult to replicate. Check for clear, professional printing, and make sure that the badge has the staff member's photo, name and role clearly displayed. If in doubt, go to an official security point.
Beware of fake ticket scams: Purchase tickets only from reputable sources, such as official websites or authorized sellers. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true on social media, third-party sites or from sellers outside the venue. The last thing you want is to arrive at Wembley and discover you've been scammed.
Secure your personal belongings: Concerts are crowded, making it easier for pickpockets and thieves to target your belongings. Organized groups target concerts to steal things that are easy to swipe, like phones, wallets and sunglasses, and they will take advantage of the crowded environment. Keep your valuables close, avoid bringing unnecessary items and use bags that are difficult to access in a crowd.
Be aware of the exits: Make sure you know where the nearest exits are and agree on a meeting point for your group in case you get separated. In crowded events, it's crucial to have a plan in place for quickly and safely leaving the area if necessary.
Flash mobs or flying items: Groups can initiate chaos within a concert crowd, creating distractions that facilitate theft or other criminal activities. Individuals have also been known to throw items toward the stage, which can cause extreme harm to concertgoers in front of them.
Spiked drinks: There has been an uptick in reports of drink spiking and drug distribution at concerts and festivals. This is when substances are added to attendees' beverages, making them vulnerable to theft or assault. People should remain vigilant and never leave drinks unattended.
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