By HELEN TUNNAH
Police have asked some America's Cup syndicates to beef up security but say the risk of a terrorist attack against the yachting event following the Bali bombings remains low.
The head of counter-terrorism for the police, Assistant Commissioner Jon White, said yesterday police had no indication that
the America's Cup was likely to be a terrorist target.
But syndicates were spoken to daily and processes were in place for "high risk" individuals visiting for the Cup.
Mr White said protesters likely to use violence had been identified by police as they planned security operations for the America's Cup, although he would not name them.
"We did identify individuals and groups in New Zealand with a propensity for making points through the use of violence.
"However there are ... no direct threats to the America's Cup operation."
Exactly when some syndicates were asked to improve security procedures was not clear, after Mr White said it was not appropriate to discuss when security was changed or the risk assessment for each syndicate.
"Police staff involved in the America's Cup operation are in daily contact with the syndicates and have advised them on their security procedures, some of which have been beefed up.
"It's not appropriate for me to comment on specific measures taken by syndicates in terms of their own security."
He said the Bali bombings which killed 181 people, mainly Westerners, had not led to any increased security around the Viaduct Harbour where the America's Cup syndicates were based.
"There is no indication or information we have that suggests there is a threat to the America's Cup at this time, and the overall threat level is low. It is acknowledged that the situation could change rapidly.
"Certainly police are encouraging syndicates and people to be vigilant."
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