Metropolitan Police have 'well practised structure' for Rugby World Cup

Workers clean the seats at Twickenham Stadium. Photo / AP

The Metropolitan Police have been planning and preparing for the Rugby World Cup for over a year and will use a "well practised structure" to make sure the event runs smoothly.

And they have offered some safety tips that could come in handy for the hundreds of Kiwi fans converging on London and beyond for the tournament.

This week the Met Police revealed that as part of planning for the event they have taken part in a number of "exercises" with partner agencies to test responses to various scenarios.

A total of 17 games are due to be played within the Met Police district at three venues, Twickenham, Wembley and the Olympic Park.

"This is business as usual for the Met but we will not be complacent," said Superintendent Jo Edwards.

"We police large numbers of sporting events and the movement of thousands of supporters around London every year.

"By having a command structure that has an overview of all public order events happening across London with direct links into our partner agencies we are in a good position to move our resources to wherever they are needed most."

Kiwis heading to World Cup games in the UK are advised to plan their journey in advance.
"Consider alternative (underground) stations, the closest station may not always be the quickest," Ms Edwards said.

"Identify other possible routes and forms of transport as obvious routes may become too busy (and) check transport updates before you travel."

She said large crowds attract thieves but rugby fans can take some simple precautions to keep their posessions safe.

"Keep purses zipped up in handbags and tuck bags under your arm; don't wave your phone around, use it only when you need to (and) don't leave bags unattended."