O2

Overview

The O2 in London is the world’s most popular live entertainment, leisure, and retail destination. It welcomes over 10million visitors a year and hosts over 200 events in its iconic 20,000 capacity arena. From music concerts and sports to comedy and live televised events, security at the venue is paramount to ensure the safety of both staff and visitors.

As a high-traffic venue, The O2 faces the challenge of securing large crowds efficiently while maintaining a seamless visitor experience. In line with their commitment to safety, The O2 invited Thruvision, a leader in advanced, non-intrusive security technology, to address these challenges and strengthen their security measures during a high-profile premier event in February 2025.

The challenge

The O2 faces several security challenges typical of large venues:

Large Crowds: With thousands of visitors attending events, ensuring security without disrupting the guest experience is crucial.

Security Delays: Traditional security methods such as manual bag checks, or wanding, can cause bottlenecks and long wait times, which impact the customer experience.

Efficient Threat Detection: The ability to detect potential threats, such as concealed organic materials that could be used maliciously or other illicit items, while keeping the flow of people moving smoothly.

Solution: Thruvision's people screening technology

Thruvision’s people screening technology was implemented at key access points in The O2 to enhance security without compromising the visitor experience. Thruvision’s passive security screening system uses advanced, passive millimetre-wave technology to detect objects concealed on individuals, including paints, powders and liquids, without the need for physical contact or invasive procedures.

Key features of Thruvision's solution

Non-intrusive and Contactless: The system is entirely passive, which means that it emits no radiation of any kind and so can be used to screen everyone, including pregnant women, children and those with medical implants.

Long-Range Detection: Thruvision’s cameras can screen individuals at range, allowing security personnel to detect potential threats from a safe distance.

Real-Time Detection: The technology instantly highlights concealed threats making it easier for security staff to take appropriate action before any potential danger arises.

Results

The deployment of Thruvision at The O2 produced significant benefits for both security and operational efficiency:

Enhanced Security: The implementation of Thruvision’s system allowed The O2’s security team to detect concealed items such as liquids, cash, food items & banners, improving overall safety without relying on traditional, slower methods like pat downs.

Faster, More Efficient Screening: Thruvision’s technology sped up the screening process, reducing wait times for visitors and allowing for smoother crowd management. This was particularly important during a high-profile premier event.

Operational Flexibility: The full solution was set up in under an hour. This flexibility is essential when dealing with dynamic, fast-paced environments like The O2.

Improved Visitor Experience: With faster, non-invasive screening, The O2 was able to maintain a positive visitor experience, ensuring that visitors could enjoy the event with minimal delay while knowing that their safety was prioritized.

Seamless Integration: Thruvision’s solution integrated seamlessly into The O2's existing security protocols, providing a straightforward enhancement to their overall security infrastructure.

Client testimonial

"I have had a great couple of days working with the staff from Thruvision. The last time I saw the technology was pre-COVID. Stefan (great name!) and his team came and did a trial for me, stepping up and looking for organic material that could be used maliciously. The team were a great bunch and talked me through the advantages and limitations of the system. They trained the staff and couldn’t have been more helpful over 2-days. This area is a Security Manager’s nightmare, how do you detect powder paints or glitter bombs? Thruvision was tested with these items, which could be seen on the person’s body. A really interesting proof of concept trial with this team and we will be talking more in the future."

Stefan Thompson Security Operations Manager, The O2

Conclusion

By incorporating Thruvision's innovative people screening technology, as part of a layered security approach, The O2 was able to address additional security challenges effectively, improving both safety and operational efficiency. The solution has not only provided a more secure environment for visitors but has also helped streamline the entry process, reducing wait times and maintaining a positive experience at one of the busiest entertainment venues in the world.