Posted: Tue 25th Nov 2014

Call To ‘Report Anything Suspicious’ In Terrorism Awareness Week

Wrexham.com for people living in or visiting the Wrexham area
This article is old - Published: Tuesday, Nov 25th, 2014

As ‘Counter Terrorism Awareness Week’ is launched across the country, residents of Wrexham and North Wales are being urged to play a part in preventing terrorism and report anything suspicious or ‘out of place’.

During this week of awareness there is a focus on five key areas where action by the police, businesses and the public can prevent terrorism, they are: crowded places, transport hubs, preventing violent extremism, terrorist financing, and the tools that terrorists need to operate.

In recent months the terror threat level in Britain was raised from “substantial” to “severe” in response to conflicts in both Syria and Iraq.

The Welsh lead for Counter-Terrorism Assistant Chief Constable Nikki Holland has called for people and businesses to be prepared to play their part in keeping the country safe saying: “Countering terrorism in Wales has for too long been thought of as the preserve of the police, security agencies and government”

ACC Holland added: “We can’t protect Wales from terrorism without help from the public.

“The danger posed by violent extremists has evolved. They are no longer a problem solely stemming from countries like Iraq and Afghanistan, far away in the minds of the public. Now, they are home grown, in our communities; radicalised by images and messages they read on social media and prepared to kill for their cause.

“Police officers and our partners are continuing to work 24 hours a day, seven days a week to protect Wales from a terrorist attack.

“So far this year across the UK, we have disrupted several attack plots and made 218 arrests following counter-terrorism investigations, but the eyes and ears of law enforcement and other agencies alone cannot combat the threat.

“While the severe threat level indicates that it is highly likely that a terrorist attack could happen in the UK, there is currently no specific intelligence of a terrorist attack within Wales.”

The UK’s counter-terrorism strategy CONTEST, focuses on four key areas; pursue, prevent, protect and prepare. Most of the publicity around terrorism is based on ‘pursue’ and ‘prevent’, as these involve arrests and the disrupting of actual attack plots.

However ACC Holland noted that the both the public and the police can be doing more to ‘protect’ and ‘prepare’ – ensuring security in crowded places, monitoring our borders and being ready to respond to a terrorist attack

ACC Holland continued: “Following the increase of the international terrorism threat to severe there is a heightened need to ensure that Wales and the UK is in the best position to deter and detect potential terrorist threats.

“We don’t want to scare people but we do want them to understand the threat and be vigilant to things that are out of place or suspicious and report it to the police.

“Experience tells us that terrorists have targeted busy, well-populated places to ensure that attacks have a maximum impact. Businesses throughout Wales, particularly those in crowded places, have an invaluable role to play in our fight against terrorists, violent extremists and other criminals. Staff are often the first people to spot signs that something is wrong.”

Throughout the week one of the focuses is on training more people working in shopping centres, cinemas, sports stadiums and other businesses throughout Wales to look out for suspicious behaviour and what they should do if an attack happens.

Police say since the terror threat level increased on August 29th reports of suspicious behaviour have nearly doubled. This is a direct result of reporting by members of the public, and every report is investigated.

ACC Holland added: “Please tell us if you know or suspect something; your information could save lives. We will deal with information passed to us carefully and respond sensitively and proportionately.”

(Pic: Stock picture of armed police active in Wrexham, in a non terrorism related incident)



Spotted something? Got a story? Email [email protected]



Have a look at...

Three ‘never events’ reported at health board during February

Clwyd South MS welcomes plans for baby loss certificates for bereaved parents

More detail on club accounts as owners will ‘continue to offer minority equity positions to strategic partners’

Turnover up 75% as Wrexham AFC say ‘losses shouldnt be repeated’ as payroll nears £7m

Off-road motorcyclists ‘using their bikes dangerously’ warned they ‘will be seized’

Saturday’s Wrexham Artisan Market to be ‘showcase’ of local and national products

MMA Event coming to north east Wales this weekend!

Rare newts thriving after north east Wales pond restoration

Plans for new studio flat above Wrexham fast food restaurant

Football Banning Order issued to Wrexham man for ‘pyro offences’

Ambulance Service ‘expecting the Bank Holiday period to be a busy one for us’

Reminder to check for Schools Essentials Grant before window closes at end of May