Security advice issued for Euro 2016
A company specialising in travel intelligence has advised football fans to take extra safety measures during Euro 2016, which starts in France on Friday.
Rob Walker, head of travel security intelligence at International SOS, the world’s largest travel and medical security company, says fans should keep a photocopy of their ID and a list of emergency numbers on them at all times.
He also warns fans to ‘be aware of the impact of alcohol on judgement’ and be vigilant of suspicious activity.
The ex-British army officer said that, although terrorism continues to pose a threat to travellers, high-profile events are balanced by heightened security measures.
Although the national stadium, the Stade de France, was one of the intended targets in last November’s Paris terror attacks, Walker said football fans should keep a sense of proportion.
"Petty crime remains the main risk for travellers and there is an increase in pickpocketing around stadiums, fan zones and on public transport," he said.
Euro 2016 runs from June 10 to July 10 and eight million fans are expected to travel to France to watch matches in 10 cities, including Paris, Lille and Lyon.
The advice follows reports several planned terror attacks have been foiled.
Ukrainian security chief Vasily Gritsak, who said a Frenchman had been detained on the border with Poland, after trying to buy guns and explosives.
Meanwhile, talks are taking place this week to try to avert a strike by Air France workers, which has been timed for the start of the Euro 2016 tournament.
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
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