A new five-week anti-terrorism publicity campaign is now underway, with the Met Police urging Londoners to report anything they think could be terrorist related.
The “It’s probably nothing, but …” campaign will see the Met Police run adverts in adverts in local and minority ethnic newspapers and distribute 1.4m leaflets to London households.
There will also be a 40-second radio advert aired across stations.
The campaign is the latest to challenge the public’s reluctance to report suspicions in case they turn out to be unfounded.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Osborne, Senior National Co-ordinator Counter Terrorism, said: “Protecting Londoners from terrorism is one of the top priorities for the Metropolitan Police Service.
“The threat, whether it is from Al-Qaeda inspired groups or individuals, dissident Irish republican groups or other violent extremists, is still a real and serious one. ”You know the area where you live better than anyone else so we ask you to be vigilant, trust your instincts and tell us about anyone or anything you see which is out of place in your normal day to day lives.
”No piece of information is considered too small or insignificant. Our specialist officers would rather take lots of calls which turn out to have an innocent explanation than miss out on a vital piece of information.
“We understand that you may have concerns about speaking to the police – possibly because you think your friends or family may find out or because you don’t want to get people into trouble. However, all calls are treated in the strictest confidence and information is thoroughly assessed before – and if – any further action is taken.
”Please help us to create a difficult environment for the terrorist. Your call really could save lives.
“Terrorists live among us while they are planning their attacks so we need the help of all our communities to pass on any suspicions to the Anti Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.”
