Information on Loughborough

Police join forces in counter terrorist campaign

Posted on 20/06/2007
Loughborough Newsdesk

fire flamesForces throughout the East Midlands Police region are working together on a new counter-terrorist publicity campaign aimed at giving the community the confidence to report any unusual or suspicious activity which may be terrorist related.

Posters are going up this month across the five forces - Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Nottinghamshire - reminding people that terrorists are criminals who need equipment and other items to help them plan and carry out their atrocities.

Supported by a media campaign, the messages encourage people to be vigilant and have the confidence to call the police if they see such equipment and items being acquired or used in unusual or suspicious circumstances.

Part of an ongoing programme of awareness-raising counter terrorist campaigns, this initiative stresses the importance of people going with their instincts, even it involves friends, neighbours, workmates or even family members.

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Eyre says that information provided by the community could be the important piece in the jigsaw that helps the police prevent an attack.

"Terrorism is indiscriminate and affects all the community. Vigilance and awareness and community cooperation are the key to disrupting and defeating terrorism and, ultimately, saving lives. It will expose terrorists and ensure they are dealt with effectively by the authorities," she said.

ACC Eyre stressed that there is nothing to suggest that the Leicester, Leicestershire Rutland or the East Midlands is more at risk than any other part of the country, but terrorists have to live somewhere.

He added: "We can reassure anyone who wants to give us information that anything tell us will be treated in the strictest confidence and thoroughly researched and analysed before, and indeed if, anything is done about it.

"People should not hesitate to come forward. Terrorists are criminals whose deadly activities affect the whole community. It will be information from the community that helps us to defeat them."

Anyone who has information or suspicions is urged to contact their local police as a matter of urgency, Alternatively, they can call the Anti Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789321.