Officials ban encampments at Olympics

LONDON, Jan. 25 (UPI) -- Britain's home secretary said tents and encampments will not be allowed at Olympic venues because of the threat of protests.

Home Secretary Theresa May said authorities are preparing for "all eventualities," and security measures will include banning encampments at all venues being used for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, the BBC reported Wednesday.

May said police have arrested 97 people in connection with crimes related to the Games, including illegal ticket sales, creating fake Web sites and selling non-existent hotel rooms.

"Police are sending a very clear message that we're not going to tolerate intrusions by organized criminals into the Olympic Games," she said. "We are also helping the police and LOCOG (the London Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games) to deal with the other emerging threats that have faced the Home Office in recent months, such as encampment protests."