Londoners urged to shop a terror suspect

16 Mar 09

People across the UK capital are being urged to pass on any information about unusual activity or behaviour to the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.

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, the Met.

No specific threat
A Police statement said that although the threat of attack remains real, the national advertising campaign “has not been launched in response to any specific threat”.

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.

No info too small
"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?

Security focus
"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."

The joint campaign, by ACPO (TAM) and the Met, will run throughout the country from today for between three and five weeks.

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