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Metropolitan Police Service launch new counter-terrorism publicity campaign

Four-week campaign encourages the public to report suspicious behaviour or activity

The Metropolitan Police Service have launched a new counter-terrorism publicity campaign which encourages the public to report suspicious behaviour or activity.

The four-week campaign consists of two 40-second radio adverts and three press adverts which will feature on radio stations and in newspapers across London.

The radio adverts recognise that some people may be reluctant to report suspicious activity or behaviour, such as a person taking an unusual interest in security arrangements, because 'Chances are, it's probably nothing', but encourages people to think 'But what if it isn't'?

The press adverts focus on the fact that terrorists preparing attacks live in our communities and can leave tell tale signs which the public are encouraged to look out for.

Police want people to look out for some activity or behaviour which strikes them as not quite right and out of place in their normal day to day lives, such as being suspicious of someone buying large or unusual quantities of chemicals for no obvious reason or someone taking an interest in security, like CCTV cameras for no obvious reason.

Assistant Commissioner John Yates, head of MPS Specialist Operations, said:  "This campaign is asking the public to consider whether there is anything suspicious or unusual about the things they see every day and designed to raise awareness of the types of behaviour that we have seen among terrorists preparing attacks while living in our communities."

"I completely understand that some people may have concerns about contacting police with their suspicions, but let me reassure them that all information received by the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline is thoroughly analysed and researched by experienced officers before, and if, any police action is taken."

Further information:
Metropolitan Police Service

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