As we go about our daily business within Medway is our vigilance as good as we think?
Do we truly know our neighbour? Are we comfortable with the ‘lock up’ we pass each day, what is it being used
for? Is that uninhabited property across the road actually empty? What about that individual, whose appearance
and mannerisms have suddenly altered, would you recognise the change?
Ok...So you do have information, would you inform the local Police, would you spare time to talk to your resident
PCSO or Community Warden and pass this information on, or would you simply ignore it?
In our multi-cultural society there is no such thing as a stereotypical terrorist.
We are not looking for a ‘suspicious person’ rather ‘BEHAVIOUR that is SUSPICIOUS’ in a location that makes
it out of the ordinary.
Following the raised threat levels after the attempted terrorist attacks in London and Glasgow on 29th and 30th
June 2007, the UK threat level now remains at SEVERE (correct at September 2008).
The key aim of the Government counter-terrorism strategy is to reduce the risk we face from international terrorism
so that people can go about their business freely and safely. Locally, Medway Police needs you to play your part
as a community and provide information on anything you feel is suspicious.
Please consider the following:
ñ
Camera - Terrorists need information. Observations and surveillance help terrorists plan attacks. Have you
seen anyone taking pictures of security arrangements?
ñ
Documents / Passports - Terrorists use multiple identities. Do you know someone with documents in different
names for no obvious reason?
ñ
Vehicle - Terrorists need transport. If you work in commercial vehicle hire or sales, has a sale or rental made
you suspicious?
ñ
Technology - Terrorists use computers. Do you know someone who visits terrorist-related websites?
ñ
Journeys / Movement - Terrorists need to travel. Meetings training and planning can take place anywhere. Do
you know someone who travels but is vague about where they are going?
ñ
Mobile phones - Terrorists need communication. Anonymous, pay-as-you-go and stolen mobiles are typical.
Have you seen someone with large quantities of mobile phones? Has it made you suspicious?
ñ
Chemicals - Do you know someone buying large or unusual quantities of chemicals for no obvious reason?
If you think you may have seen something suspicious or you are unsure about somebody’s activities or behaviour,
however insignificant it may seem, call the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321. Specialist officers who will
analyse your information take calls in confidence or speak to your local PCSO or ring Medway Police Station
on 01634 891055.
Your call could be vital however unsure you may be.
The threat of terrorism remains real - we cannot afford to be complacent.
People should remain alert and aware of their surroundings at all times.
Trust your instincts and call the Police.
The above is an article that was included in our Winter 2008 Edition of our Newsletter
‘Watchword’. As the UK threat level has once again been raised we thought it would be
appropriate to include it on our Web site.

http://www.met.police.uk/campaigns/national_counter_terrorism/index.htm