Londoners urged to report
suspicious activity
DON'T RELY ON OTHERS:
IF YOU SUSPECT IT, REPORT IT.
Londoners are being asked to trust their instincts and report
suspicious behaviour to help combat terrorist activity in a new
counter terrorism advertising campaign launched today.
People across the capital are being urged to pass on any
information about unusual activity or behaviour to the confidential
Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.
If you are deaf or have hearing difficulties you can use the
textphone to call us. Dial 0800 032 4539.
The key message of the campaign is: 'Don't rely on others. If
you suspect it, report it.'
Just one piece of information could be vital in helping disrupt
terrorist planning and, in turn, save lives.
Although the threat of attack remains real, the advertising
campaign has not been launched in response to any specific
threat.
Chief Superintendent Ken Stewart, Head of Counter Terrorism for
the City of London Police said:
"This campaign is an important reminder to the City and all of
London that reporting suspicious activity, no matter how minor, is
vital to combating terrorism. Although the City of London Police
has access to a network of cameras and other terrorist deterring
equipment, the most comprehensive source of information is always
members of the public.
Trust your instincts - if it doesn't feel right, report
it."
Deputy Assistant Commisioner John McDowall, head of the Met's
Counter Terrorism Command and Senior National Co-Ordinator Counter
Terrorism, said:
"Terrorists can be stopped in their tracks if suspicious
activity is passed to police. They will not succeed if people
report something unusual they have seen while going about their
daily lives."
"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 - and to take responsibility for
reporting it."
"This campaign is asking all members of the public - people who
live in London, as well as those who work in and visit the city -
to trust their instincts and contact the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on
0800 789 321 with any information they have. No piece of
information is considered too small or insignificant."
"Terrorists live alongside us in our communities. They make their
plans while doing all they can to blend in. They try to avoid
raising suspicions about what they are up to."
"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."
"Terrorists use chemicals. Do you know someone buying large or
unusual quantities of chemicals for no obvious reason? Handling
chemicals is dangerous, and maybe you've seen goggles, masks or
bottles dumped somewhere?"
"Observation and surveillance help terrorists plan attacks. Have
you seen anyone studying security arrangements, such as CCTV, who
shouldn't be? Has it made you suspicious?"
"Meetings, training and planning for terrorist attacks can take
place anywhere. Do you know someone who travels but is vague about
where they're going?"
"Terrorists use computers - do you know someone who visits
terrorist-related websites?"
"I completely understand and appreciate that some people may have
concerns or reservations about contacting the police - possibly
they think their friends or family may find out, or they are
worried that their suspicions may prove to have innocent
explanations."
"But I can assure them that any information passed to the
Anti-Terrorist Hotline is treated in the strictest of confidence.
It is thoroughly analysed and researched by experienced officers
before, and if, any police action is taken."