Emergency grab bags now available in York

Emergency grab bags, which give immediate support should a major incident occur are now available in York City Centre.

The bags are part of a number of security measures being delivered by the multi-agency Regional Protect and Prepare Group and have been funded by Safer York Partnership (York’s statutory Community Safety Partnership).

The bags are designed to be used in the immediate aftermath of a terrorist attack or major incident and contain information and equipment that will aid the early response to an incident, prior to the arrival of the emergency services.

The bags can be accessed by designated staff at McDonald’s, Blake Street; Marks & Spencer (M&S), Pavement; Yates York pub, Church Lane; and Popworld night club, Hudson Street. On the outskirts of the city, there will also be a bag located at the York Stadium Leisure Complex at Monks Cross.

Other measures that have already been installed in York include installing Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) measures, providing first aid trauma kits, delivering protective security advice and training in Counter Terrorism (CT) awareness for local businesses.

Senior Commander for York, Superintendent Fran Naughton from North Yorkshire Police commented: “Working with local partners and colleagues at Counter Terrorism Policing, North Yorkshire Police supports the installation of Emergency Grab Bags in York.

“The public should be reassured and not alarmed by this initiative; it is a precautionary measure to ensure that York is prepared for a major incident.

“Although there is no specific threat to York and North Yorkshire, the current UK threat level remains at substantial meaning an attack is likely.

“I thank members of the public for their continued support, and I would urge them to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour.”

Detective Superintendent Dan Patrick, Regional Head of Protect and Prepare at Counter Terrorism Policing North East, said: “We are committed to working with our partners in York to make our public spaces safer and more secure.

“The grab bags are the latest addition to a package of security measures designed to protect and assist the public. Together, the measures help to make the city more resilient in the event of a spontaneous attack, and in doing so, a less attractive target for terrorists.

“We continue to work closely with Regional Protect and Prepare Groups to review and develop our readiness, not just for terrorist attacks, but indeed any major incident which poses a threat to public safety. Alongside our police and local authority partners we are determined that our plans and security measures are as effective as they can be in mitigating the threat, preparing for incidents, and keeping the public safe.”

Cllr Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Safer Communities and Community Cohesion at City of York Council, said: “Nobody wants an incident to happen on our streets or anywhere else. It is essential though, that we are all as prepared as we can be with a raft of measures to support those affected.

“We hope these Grab Bags will never be needed but, if they are, we’re ready to make an immediate response and I’m proud that the council is supporting this.”

Image by Eduardo Vieira from Pixabay