How to remain alert to threat
MET POLICE ISSUE GUIDE AFTER SPATE OF EMERGENCY EVACUATIONS
SINCE the recent tragic terror attacks in both London and Manchester, west London has seen a spate of precautionary evacuations as residents are becoming more aware on how to act on terror.
Uxbridge town centre saw multiple building evacuations and intu shopping centre was cleared of shoppers after a “false alarm” suspicious package in nearby George Street on Monday last week.
Just days before, Ealing Broadway shopping centre was emptied amid similar reports of a suspicious package on Saturday.
This was the second incident at the same shopping centre within the space of three weeks, as rumours of a gunman spread before police confirmed a ‘notsuspicious’ evacuation after a security scare on Thursday May 25.
It is not just shopping centres that have been affected, as London Victoria coach station was evacuated on Monday May 23 following reports of a suspect package, the morning after the terror attack in Manchester Arena which killed 22 people and injured 59 others.
The police are calling on communities to act on their instincts to help prevent atrocities taking place in the UK and overseas.
According to the Government ACT (Action Counters Terrorism) website, you should report any suspicious activity or behaviour.
That is anything that seems out of place, unusual or just does not seem to fit in with everyday life.
These are just some examples of suspicious activity and behaviour which could potentially be terrorist related:
Anyone hiring or acquiring large vehicles or similar for no obvious reason.
Anyone buying or storing a large amount of chemicals, fer- tilisers or gas cylinders for no obvious reasons.
Anyone taking notes or photos of security arrangements, or inspecting CCTV in an unusual way.
Anyone visiting the dark web, ordering unusual items online or carrying out unusual bank transactions.
Anyone who has illegal firearms or other weapons or has shown an interest in obtaining them.
Anyone holding passports or other documents in different names, for no obvious reasons.
Anyone who goes away travelling for long periods of time but is vague about where they are going.