Tightened Security Will Affect Crowds At 1997 Wimbledon

Rain made the only sound Sunday on Centre Court at Wimbledon, and hundreds of guards, police and military personnel plan to keep things peaceful amid the cheering to come.

Because of heightened security, Britons long accustomed to the threat of terrorism will face longer lines outside the All England Club when play begins today.

For the first time, police will search spectators’ cars and bags as they arrive. To create a security buffer, a parking lot across the street from the club will no longer be used.

Wimbledon hasn’t been interrupted by a bomb scare since 1994. But an IRA bomb hoax forced the postponement of this year’s Grand National steeplechase for two days, and the IRA was blamed for killing two police officers in Northern Ireland last week.