LAW ENFORCEMENT
Winter Vigilance campaign from Counter Terrorism Policing
With the coronavirus pandemic changing all of our day to day routines, it is understandable that the threat from terrorism isn’t necessarily front of mind for everyone across the country. But the threat of terrorism sadly has not gone away.
Given national and regional COVID-19 restrictions, compared to previous years, there may be a different look and feel to our city centres and public locations over the Winter season. However, the recent terror attacks in Europe and the change in the UK’s terrorism threat level to SEVERE – meaning an attack is highly likely - are reminders of how important it is to stay vigilant wherever you are out and about.
Deputy Assistant Specialist Operations, Metropolitan Police Lucy D’Orsi said “Regrettably we know a terrorist attack can happen anywhere and at any time. We work with other national security partners to disrupt those intent on causing harm to our communities. I believe that everyone has a part to play in countering the threat from terrorism and therefore our winter campaign encourages everyone to remain alert whilst out and about and to report anything suspicious to police or security or staff. We continue to work with businesses and with the support of everyone we can keep each other safe and create a hostile place for terrorists to operate.”
Counter Terrorism Policing know how busy businesses and local communities are, preparing for the changes in restrictions and understand the challenges everyone has faced this year. Whilst planning for COVID-19, we ask that businesses and community representatives support the Winter Vigilance campaign and amplify the safety and security messaging and help us to deter those who look to do others harm.
From today you will be able to access a communications toolkit which includes creative materials for use on your digital screens, poster sites and social channels and messaging to remind customers/visitors what to do if they notice suspicious activity. The content, designed following consultation with businesses and stakeholders, and taking into account the many pressures teams are under as a result of COVID, encourages the public to be vigilant without causing alarm. The content will continue to be updated and is designed to have a longer shelf life than just the festive season and reflect the need to be adaptable as COVID restrictions change and crowded places evolve.
The Communication toolkit can be found here.
Any enquiries, requests for additional content or bespoke screen size content should be directed to nctphq.comms@met.police.uk
