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METROPOLITAN POLICE SERVICE
March 16 2009
DON'T RELY ON OTHERS: IF YOU SUSPECT IT, REPORT IT.
NEW CAMPAIGN URGES LONDONERS TO REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY
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.
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 national advertising campaign has not been launched in response to any specific threat.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner 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?
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"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.
Press advertising will appear in national newspapers and on main commercial radio stations. In London, this includes the Evening Standard, Magic, Heart, Total LBC, Smooth and Capital FM.
The press ads seek to raise awareness of some of the items/activities which may be needed by, or be of use to, terrorists. It asks the public to consider whether they have seen any activity connected with them which may have made them suspicious.
Radio advertising has been devised to complement the press ads and reiterates how any piece of information could prove vital, asking the public to call the confidential AntiTerrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.
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