“For several months now, we have been reporting on the increased threat caused by a mix of social media anarchists and local activists who seem intent on hijacking issues to cause wanton violence and criminality,” explained City Security and Resilience Network’s (CSARN) chief executive Richard Bingley.
“Our thoughts remain with the terrified victims, as well as the police service and the emergency services who are trying their best to control this criminal disorder.”
By way of assisting the business community, CSARN is running a briefing in the City of London on the morning of Wednesday 24 August (with a 9.00 am start). Security experts as well as members of the police and fire service will be in attendance.
Those who would like to attend are invited to send an e-mail to: [email protected]
Key precautionary measures to be considered
“In the meantime,” continued Bingley, “businesses may wish to take the following precautionary measures issued by ourselves in direct partnership with the Metropolitan Police Service.”
Assessing the fire risk
Fires are used as a tactic to provide a focal point for protesters seeking to attract extensive media attention.
They’re also used to destroy evidence of criminality and distract the emergency services, in turn drawing them into confrontational situations.
Your fire risk assessment and arson prevention arrangements should be reviewed accordingly. Simple, good housekeeping measures such as the removal of any flammable and combustible materials stored adjacent to the premises (for example, stacks of pallets or waste materials) can reduce risk as these items can be easily ignited and any fires started in them can quickly spread to your building.
Reduce the storage of flammable materials and stock near to your windows and entrance.
Ensure that your First Aid fire-fighting equipment and extinguishers are maintained and available to deal with any small fires. However, staff should be properly trained to use any equipment provided and instructed to avoid unnecessary risk.
If there is any doubt, evacuate all persons from the building immediately.
Particular attention should be given to your arrangements for securing the safety of staff and customers from fire. Fires started using accelerants such as petrol bombs can spread very quickly, cutting off escape routes. Accelerants can cause very rapid fire spread and increase the risk that the entire building will become involved in fire, especially where there is a delay in any fire service response due to the security situation.
Past experience suggests that in these situations some people consider remaining inside their property to protect it from looting and damage. However, due to the risk of rapid fire spread, this can be extremely hazardous and has led to fatalities in previous events.
Refuge in the upper floors of a building that has been targeted should be avoided as it is all-too-easy to become trapped.
Keep abreast of security updates via CSARN’s website (there’s a dedicated link at the foot of this page)
In addition, register for free information feeds at: [email protected]
Salient advice courtesy of London First
“Following recent incidents of rioting and public disorder in London, I would like to alert your readers to the latest business advice from the Metropolitan Police Service,” said Michael Rooney, chief operating officer at London First.
“There remains a heightened risk of public disorder across London. However, there is no specific advice regarding closing businesses early or any major changes to public transport arrangements. We will remain in close contact with the police and pass on any advice as we receive it.”
Rooney continued: “In the medium to long term we will be looking at how to repair London’s reputation as a safe place to visit and do business, and will focus on policing and security as a strand within our Mayoral Manifesto.”
The Metropolitan Police Service’s Operation Withern is investigating the disorder and violence in parts of London. An incident room has been set up. Anyone with information should call the major investigation team on 020 8345 4142.
The Met now has extra resources on duty across the Capital. There is careful monitoring of any intelligence, with the Met ensuring it has the resources in the right places to support the ongoing policing plan. An official statement says: “We will continue to respond to the needs of London’s communities and deal with any incidents of criminality.”
You may also wish to consider subscribing to the official police messaging system ‘Neighbourhood Link’. To subscribe to this service visit: www.neighbourhoodlink.met.police.uk
Regular updates on the current situation can be found on the Metropolitan Police Service’s website (again, a dedicated web link can be found at the foot of this article)
