London, NYC increase security presence before races

Following last week's Boston Marathon bombing, London and NYC have implemented security measures to reassure the public.

By JPOST.COM STAFF, REUTERS
London Police 370 (photo credit: REUTERS)
London Police 370
(photo credit: REUTERS)
London and New York City have beefed up security to prepare for the London Marathon and the New York "four-mile" run respectively, both of which are scheduled to take place on Sunday morning.
The added security comes in response to concerns of race participants and observers alike following the Boston Marathon bombing last week which took the lives of three spectators and injured over a hundred more.
Metropolitan police chief superintendent Julia Pendry told British media that London Police are dedicated to "making sure that people who come to London on Sunday feel safe when they are in the city."
Pendry added that the police will use search dogs and use extra caution while handling Marathon runners' bags.
Runners at the London Marathon on Sunday will wear black ribbons and observe a 30-second silence to honour the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings.
In New York City Police were amping up security in Central Park late Saturday night in preparation for Sunday's "four-mile" run, Army Radio reported.
The security measures include additional police presence as well as placing 100 mobile video cameras around the park which can track suspicious activity. Video cameras played a large part in tracking down the Boston Marathon bombing suspects who were caught on camera carrying bags moments before the blasts occurred.
A further precaution was taken when police and race organizers directed participants not to bring bags with them to the race.
"We asked that they not bring any backpacks, bags, napsacks or anything like that and certainly if they do, to not leave them unattended," Asbusy Park Police Department Detective Captain Anthony Salerno said talking to a CBS reporter.