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Trust your instincts: it could disrupt terrorist planning and save lives
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That's the call to Londoners today as the Met launches its new counter-terrorism ad campaign.
Unusual activity or behaviour which seems out of place may be terrorist-related, and everyone who works, lives in or visits the capital is being urged to pass on any information to the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.
The five-week long campaign sends out a clear message: 'Terrorism. If you suspect it, report it.'
Terrorists won't succeed if suspicious activity is reported by members of the public, and that somebody could be you.
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DAC Peter Clarke, head of the Met's Counter Terrorism Command and National
Co-ordinator of Terrorist Investigations, urged anybody with concerns about suspicious behaviour to report them to the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline.
"We want people to look out for the unusual - some activity or behaviour which strikes them as not quite right and out of place in their normal day to day lives.
"Terrorists live within our communities, making their plans whilst doing everything they can to blend in, and trying not to raise suspicions about their activities. I would ask people to think about unusual behaviour they have witnessed, or things they have seen which seem to have no logical or obvious explanation. I totally understand and appreciate concerns or reservations some people may have about contacting the police - either because their friends or family may find out, or their suspicions may prove to have innocent explanations.
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"But let me reassure everyone. All information to the hotline is treated in the strictest of confidence and is thoroughly analysed and researched before, and if, any police action is taken. Terrorists have a lot of work to do before they attack. They need money and may commit cheque, credit card and identity fraud to finance their activities. They also need transport to move around in and they may raise questions over where they are going by being vague about their movements.
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"We are asking members of the public to trust their instincts and call the confidential Anti-Terrorist hotline to pass on information which could help stop terrorists in their tracks. Mr Clarke said that although the threat of attack remained real, the campaign had not been launched in response to any specific threat.
The ads seek to raise awareness of a range of items which may be needed by, or be of use to, terrorists and asks the public to consider whether they have seen any activity connected with them which may have made them suspicious.
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Radio advertising has been devised to complement the press ads and features an individual thinking out loud about concerns she has around some suspicious behaviour. She is reassured that she should call the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321 and that any information will be considered by specialist officers.
Advertising will also run in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and the West Midlands.
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Bulletin 0000000644 |
05 March 2007 |
