Counter Terrorism – Frequently Asked Questions
This is a re-assuring, informative and important document issued by the Metropolitan Police. Its prime purpose is to make everyone aware and asks for your help, co-operation and vigilance to keep Londoners safe
Counter Terrorism – Frequently Asked Questions
Threat
Q: What is the threat to London and the UK from international terrorism?
A: The threat from international terrorism remains real and serious. It is from overseas and the UK mainland. We encourage the public to remain vigilant and alert and to report anything suspicious to the police.
Currently, there remains no specific intelligence of a specific threat to places, events or people in the UK that would lead us to issue a specific warning to the public.
Q: How many people are currently awaiting trial in connection with alleged terrorist-related offences?
A: Around 60 people are currently awaiting trial in the UK. But we would not want to say anything that could prejudice ongoing or future legal proceedings and prejudice the ability of the defendants to receive fair trials.
Q: Why does it take so long for the trials to come to court?
A: It is important that all parties involved should have time to prepare thoroughly for the trials and we would not want to say anything that could prejudice ongoing or future legal proceedings and prejudice the ability of the defendants to receive fair trials.
Q: Has anyone arrested by the Anti-Terrorist Branch been convicted in the UK since 9/11?
A: Yes. Recent Successful convictions include:
Mohammed Ajmal Khan: In March 2006 he was jailed for nine years after pleading guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court of buying equipment for use in terrorist operations.
Abu Hamza: In February 2006 he was jailed for seven years after being convicted at the Old Bailey of encouraging his followers to murder non-Muslims in a series of sermons.
Andrew Rowe: In September 2005 he was jailed for 15 years after being convicted at the Old Bailey of possessing a coded list of methods of attack and possible targets and instructions on how to fire a mortar.
Sajjid Badat: In April 2005 he was jailed for 13 years after pleading guilty at the Old Bailey of planning to blow up an aircraft.
Kamel Bourgass: In April 2005 he was jailed for 17 years after being convicted at the Old Bailey of plotting to manufacture homemade poisons and explosives with the intention of causing fear and injury to those who came in contact with them.
Policing in London
Q: What is the MPS doing to keep Londoners safe?
A: Public safety remains a priority for the MPS.
- Our contingency planning remains under constant review and this involves close liaison with central and local governments, other emergency services and other agencies.
- The Met constantly reviews a wide range of policing tactics, including the deployment of high visibility policing at a variety of locations.
- These additional policing measures may be put in place for a number of reasons, including as a response to seasonal crime patterns or as a precautionary measure in the light of the current and continuing threat from international terrorism.
- Overt policing is used in combination with a range of other police activities including covert tactics that by their nature are not obvious to the public.
- People who live, work and visit London will continue to see a selection of policing tactics used in the future.
- We encourage the public to remain vigilant and alert and to report anything suspicious to the police. We cannot be complacent.
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Community
Q: Police investigating terrorist offences target specific communities.
A: - We can categorically say that no individual is targeted by police because of their culture, faith, race or religion. Police inquiries are carried out under the provisions of existing UK law which takes into account the human and legal rights of those involved. Terrorist investigations go where the intelligence and evidence takes them.
- Every effort is made by police to ensure that minority communities are not criminalized or victimised in any way. The overwhelming majority of the Muslim community are law abiding and reject all forms of violence.
- It would be counter-productive for us to target any specific community as it is not police actions alone that will ultimately defeat terrorism, but the combined actions of all communities.
- We need the support and confidence of communities to improve the two-way flow of information in order to arrest and prosecute terrorists in order to protect the whole community. Communities can defeat terrorism.
Anti-Terrorist Hotline – 0800 789 321
Q: I am concerned that someone will find out I have contacted the Anti-Terrorist Hotline.
A: - Police understand that people might have reservations about contacting police – either because their friends or family may find out, or their suspicions may prove to have innocent explanations.
- But we can reassure the public that all calls and information are treated in the strictest of confidence.
Q: What happens if the information I give is wrong?
A: We know that people who contact the hotline do so in good faith. All information received by the hotline is researched and appropriate police action is then taken. Let police decide if the information you have is important. Members of the public may unknowingly have information which could be a critical piece of investigative jigsaw. If You Suspect it Report it.
Advice on how all communities can help police defeat terrorism
Q: What suspicious activity should I be looking for?
A: - We want to encourage the public to be aware of what is happening around them and think about anything or anybody that has struck them as unusual in their day-to-day lives.
- We want people to have the confidence to trust their instincts.
If You Suspect it Report it to the Anti-Terrorist Hotline 0800 789 321.
- By doing this the public can help to make London a hostile place for terrorists.
- Terrorists need recruits – Do you know someone whose behaviour has changed suddenly?
- Terrorist need places to live – Are you suspicious of your tenants or neighbours?
- Terrorists need transport – Are you a motor trader? Has a vehicle sale or rental made you suspicious?
- Terrorists need storage – Are you suspicious of someone renting garages, lock-ups or commercial property?
- Terrorists need money – Are you suspicious of any cheque or credit card transactions?
IF THE PUBLIC NOTICE SUSPICIOUS BAGS, BEHAVIOUR OR
VEHICLES WHICH POSE AN IMMINENT THREAT
THEY SHOULD CALL 999 IMMMEDIATELY