London ’12 Ticket Touting Fines Increased x4 to USD32,000

According to UK Home Secretary Theresa May, arthritis an increase in the maximum penalty for ticket touting at the 2012 London Olympics is set to be enforced from £5,000 (US$8,000) to £20,000 ($32,000).

With around 6.6 million tickets set to go on sale to the public next week, May released a statement saying: “The change will ensure that there is a more substantial deterrent to serious and organised criminal groups.”

The Home Office said an amendment to the London Olympic and Paralympic Games Act would be put to Parliament shortly while Assistant Commissioner Chris Allison, national Olympic security co-ordinator, said letters had been sent to people who might try to illegally sell Olympic tickets, warning them they were being watched.

Allison stated: “Touts are part of organised criminal networks, often involved in other crimes, and we are committed to dismantling them layer by layer.”

May added: “The 2012 Games will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the Games on home soil.

“By increasing the fines for touting, we are sending a clear message to criminals and prospective criminals that it is not worth their while and they are not welcome.

“The focus of the government and everyone involved is to deliver a safe and secure Olympic and Paralympic Games that London, the UK and the world can enjoy. It will not be spoiled by ticket touts.”

London 2012 chairman Lord Coe also commented: “We want to get London 2012 tickets into the hands of enthusiastic sports fans so that our venues are packed to the rafters at Games-time and provide a fantastic atmosphere for the athletes.

“The message is loud and clear that ticket touts are not welcome and will face large fines.”