With the launch of the second national counter terrorism awareness week police are reiterating the need for even stronger relations between officers and the public.
Following recent events in Paris and the imminent threat in Brussels, today's (Nov 23) launch in the UK is a reminder that it is people who are the eyes and ears of the police, playing a key role in helping to prevent and protect the country from the threat posed by international terrorism which currently remains at severe level.
Every day this week, from Monday November 23, police will be focusing on different issues of counter terrorism and terrorist threats from attack planning; protecting business and crowded places; cyber attacks; and online extremism and radicalisation.
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Deputy Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu, from the UK Counter Terrorism Policing Network said: "I cannot overstate the importance of the role that the public plays in helping to protect the UK against the threat of terrorism.
"Since the threat level was raised to ‘severe’ last year, police activity has increased accordingly in terms of number of arrests and investigations we’re carrying out.
"But just as importantly, we’re getting more calls and more information from the public which is vital to us.
"Whilst recent events in Paris were both sickening and horrific, people shouldn’t feel powerless.
"There is still lots you can do as ordinary members of the public, as neighbours, as employees and even as parents to keep an eye out for the unusual and let us know."
Specialist anti-terrorism officers and experts will hold a series of web chats on the @PoliceChiefs Twitter account providing advice on reporting suspicious activity; flagging up extremist content online; getting in touch about someone vulnerable to radicalisation; as well as how businesses can protect against the threat of an attack; and protecting your computer from malicious intrusion.
Police forces across the country will use social media accounts to share content and engage in conversations with the public using the hashtag #CounterTerrorismUK.
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In addition, counter terrorism security advisors will work with businesses and organisations, briefing staff and security managers on how they can protect their premises, staff, and IT systems from attacks ahead of one of the busiest shopping weekends in the calendar.
Monday: The current threat and what is being done to tackle it including how the public can help police tackle the current terror threat
Tuesday: Public vigilance to help report terrorist activity - both online and off. What to look out for and how the public can get in touch with concerns or information
Wednesday: How businesses can be best prepared against the online threat from cyber terrorism.
Thursday: Dangers of online radicalisation and how to safeguard those who are vulnerable.
Friday: Highlight useful information explaining how to keep popular digital gift items safe from unwanted external influences.
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Information and guidance documents will also be published daily on National CounterTerrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) website .
Report suspicious activity or behaviour on the Anti Terrorist hotline number 0800 789 321 or online.
