Everyone has a role to play in fighting terrorism and, on that basis, the Metropolitan Police Service is encouraging members of the public to contact the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321 if they see any activity or behaviour they deem to be suspicious.
In essence, the two-week publicity campaign consists of a 40-second radio advert which is being broadcast across England and Wales.
The threat to the UK from terrorism remains very real indeed, and public vigilance and awareness is absolutely crucial in helping to create a hostile environment for the terrorists.
The advert recognises that some people may be reluctant to report suspicious activity or behaviour (such as a given individual taking an unusual interest in security arrangements) because: ‘Chances are it’s probably nothing’.
However, the advert goes on to encourage people to think: ‘…but what if it isn’t?’. Just one piece of information could be vital in helping disrupt terrorist planning and, in turn, save lives.
Real and enduring threat from terrorist factions
Assistant commissioner John Yates, head of the Met’s Specialist Operations and chairman of the Association of Chief Police Officers (Terrorism and Allied Matters), explained: “Recent events at East Midlands Airport and continued speculation over ‘Mumbai-style’ attacks serve as a stark reminder of the real and enduring threat we continue to face from terrorist groups.”
These groups are constantly looking at new and inventive ways to launch attacks on the UK and its citizens, and Yates continued: “We all know that the threats against us continue to diversify: from Al Qaeda-led and inspired groups through to Irish-related terrorism and right wing extremists.”
The police and security services need the help of the public to protect the country from the threat of terrorism. “We cannot do it alone,” insisted Yates. “We all have a responsibility to remain vigilant and aware, and to report any suspicious activity. We must not become complacent.”
Yates “completely understands” that some people may have concerns about contacting the police with their suspicions. “Let me reassure them that all information received by the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline is thoroughly analysed and researched by experienced officers before – and if – any police action is taken.”
Yates urges anyone who has information about suspicious activity to contact the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.
Spotting and reporting the abnormal
Police want citizens 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.
If the answer to any of these questions is in the affirmative, pick up the phone…
