Since Capricorn Security began providing matchday security for Wigan Athletic and Wigan Warriors at The Brick Community Stadium four months ago, we are incredibly proud of the links our team there have forged with the community.
This became extremely apparent in March, when a well-known and well-loved Latics fan went missing.
Darren Orme, 54, was a familiar figure cycling through the streets to work, was known “Mr Wigan Athletic” because of his devotion to the club, which stretched back more than 40 years.
When he was reported missing on 5 March, fans, the town, and the football and rugby league clubs rallied together to try and find him, with hundreds of people giving up their time to join the search.
This also had an impact on our team at the stadium, with Ric Hulbert, our Events Manager, showing the stewards pictures of Darren in all pre-match briefings, with strict instructions to look out for him, and to report any sightings immediately.
Ric said: “The fans were talking to the staff about Darren, because they wanted to. He was really well-known, and everybody got involved.
“It wasn’t just us, but all the stewarding staff here at the stadium, we’ve become a community because of this, because of the search for Darren.”
Sadly, Darren’s body was found just over two weeks since he went missing, in a canal close to the stadium where he always took his seat in the East Stand.
There was a huge outpouring of love and grief, with the first home match against Barnsley seeing fans, players, managers and stewards join together for a minute’s applause ahead of kick-off, then an impromptu applause on the 54th minute. Darren was 54 years old.
We are pleased to report the Barnsley fans also joined this 54th minute applause, truly showing the respect which exists in the football family.
Ric said:“This was the worst possible outcome, but we are part of the community and we were only too glad to help out when it comes to things like this, that’s what we’re here for.”
Capricorn Security started managing security for the away end at The Brick Community Stadium in February 2025, for all Wigan Athletic and Wigan Warriors home games.
On average, for each match, we have between 40-65 stewards there, managing turnstiles and queues, security inside the stadium, and also manning the smoking pens which are set up outside the turnstiles during half-time of every match.”
When Wigan Warriors are playing, Capricorn is also responsible for the safety and security of the fans and public at the Fan Zone in the Robin Park Arena next door, which takes place before and after every home game.
Ric said: “It’s great to be working at The Brick, some games are more challenging than others, for example, the recent Wigan Athletic v Bolton Wanderers derby game saw a packed North stand, almost 5,000 Bolton fans in very high spirits, and luckily for them, Bolton did come out with a win, their first over Wigan for over a decade.
“Other games are totally different, with Barnsley, we saw the mutual respect from the fans for Darren Orme, and the rugby league fixtures are different again, because the game is more family orientated. You get mixed stands at the rugby matches, with fans from both teams side by side, which never really happens at football.
“Another challenge in the North Stand is the steps, there are 80 of them, which keep our staff very fit, meaning we can enjoy more Wigan pies!”
Capricorn Security is the number one choice for delivering safe, secure and unforgettable events across the northwest whether that be sport or music events, festivals or exhibitions, our SIA-licensed event security professionals have the expertise to ensure any event runs hassle-free.
We can provide a full management plan of your event, including crowd dynamics, flow rates, suggested stewarding levels, capacity planning as well as a full risk assessment, and will keep you informed every step of the way, to ensure everything is aligned to your expectations and budget.
Our team has a combined experience of more than 80 years, and you can ensure your visitors will enjoy a memorable experience, with the safety of everyone, the artists/athletes, spectators, staff and support teams, our absolute priority.
