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Cursed Child play hires extra security to protect fans from druggies
HARRY Potter theatre chiefs have hired minders to guard fans from druggies lurking outside.
Former military personnel are protecting crowds of 1,500 from crack addicts begging after the West End show.
They also target pickpockets outside the Palace Theatre where Harry Potter and The Cursed Child opened last weekend.
A source said security was beefed up after it was realised the theatre was in a crime hot-spot.
Producers asked freelance investigator Mark Guard, 51, to point out known criminals who often target drinkers leaving nearby pubs.
He said: “Security are having to deal with possible muggers, thieves, beggars, and touts.
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5“This is not to mention drug dealers operating feet away and all the crime that attracts.
“There are at least four criminals regularly walking round here that have done life for murder.
“It’s a dangerous area and a lot of fans don’t realise that.”
Our investigators spotted drug deals taking place at a bus stop next to a McDonald’s 20 yards from the stage door.
We also saw a user smoke crack in a doorway in sight of the entrance and others wandering up alleys to nearby Soho to buy drugs. Guards from SQR Security Solutions moved on addicts when we were there. The source said “We have a minimum of eight staff on.
“They have to be on their mettle when everyone leaves and people who could be thieves or worse try to mix in with them.”
Fans said they were shocked at the number of minders, with lawyer Ian Whitehead, 29, saying: “Security here is much higher than other theatres.”
Tim Cole of SQR said there was also the threat of terror. He added: “Considering what’s happened in Paris and all over the world and the high profile of Harry Potter we have come in to help out.”
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