All-Star Game officials to bolster security, crack down on counterfeiters

Officials ramp up security for All-Star Game

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Anaheim police expect an additional 100,000 visitors during the All-Star game weekend.

More than 20 state, county and federal law enforcement agencies formed a joint task force to ensure that events near Angel Stadium run smoothly through July 13, Anaheim Police Chief John Welter said.

He would not elaborate on specifics of security measures but said law enforcement would be out in “full force” during the five-day event.

Two of three lanes on a nearby street will be closed to set up a red carpet for current and former baseball players.

“This is a big event, this is one of the bigger events for the city,” Welter said. “It is not a normal event.”

Welter said that his team has is accustomed to handling an additional 200,000 visitors to the city of 350,000 on any given night, given that it’s home to Disneyland as well as a large convention center.

“We expect large crowds and we’re confident in our ability to handle them,” Welter said.

Earnell Lucas, baseball’s head of security, warned fans not to bring anything into Angel Stadium of Anaheim that they would not take through an airport security screening. No decision has been made about whether to allow laptops and iPads in the stadium, he said.

Police will also be on the lookout for the sale of counterfeit tickets and items.

Major League Baseball lawyer Ethan Orlinsky urged buyers to look for the official MLB hologram with a raised red stitch when buying products if they want a memento.

Vendors caught selling items bearing fake serial numbers or cut labels will be investigated and prosecuted, Orlinsky said.

“We ramp up our efforts during this week,” Orlinsky said. “We’re going to be everywhere. You may not be able to identify us, but we’ll be there.”