Communities defeat terrorism: Stay safe this spring

Counter Terrorism Policing are warning that the eases of lockdown restrictions could provide a greater opportunity for terrorists to operate and is appealing for business owners and the public at large to support the police’s 24/7 efforts to keep the country safe by remaining vigilant and reporting anything that doesn’t seem right to security staff nearby or the police.

The threat to the UK from terrorism remains at SUBSTANTIAL, meaning an attack is likely, and as public places such as non-essential shops, hospitality and sports events begin to open up, Counter Terrorism Policing have launched a new ‘Easing Lockdown Vigilance Campaign’ to encouraging everyone to help the police tackle terrorism and save lives by remaining vigilant and reporting concerns.

Detective Chief Superintendent Darren O'Callaghan said: “Following a year of restrictions impacting all our lives, we recognise people will be keen to get out and about as the lockdown restrictions ease, and the importance of businesses being able to return to more regular trading patterns.

“Let’s enjoy these new freedoms, but let’s do so in a way that help keeps us safe, not just from Covid-19 but terrorism as well.

“The terrorist threat will understandably not have been high on anyone’s mind in recent months, and I would describe the threat as temporarily suppressed during lockdown, because it was difficult to go out in public and actually do anything.

“The best defence against the terrorist threat is a collective community effort – where police, security staff, businesses and the public come together to minimise the chance of attack, and that is why Counter Terrorism Policing are launching this campaign.”

For more information, the public can access the official Action Counters Terrorism online e-learning for free.

Hundreds of thousands of people across the UK have already participated.

It takes just 45 minutes to complete. Visit https://ct.highfieldelearning.com/ to register for access.