This week is National Counter Terrorism Awareness Week. Merton Council has teamed up with Merton Police to offer residents the opportunity to learn about what suspicious behaviour looks like and how to report it.

Counter terrorism lead for Merton Police, PC Matt Bryan, will be speaking this Wednesday (14 June) in the council chamber at the civic centre. All those interested in attending should be there at 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start.

Scene from Operation Fairway

The short Metropolitan Police film, Operation Fairway, will also be shown. The film demonstrates how a potential terrorist attack might be prevented if people, including professionals in the emergency and other public services as well as the general public, report their suspicions and know how to report them so the Police can build up a body of invaluable intelligence.

All are welcome to attend the event on a first come, first served basis. Places are limited.

Merton Council cabinet member for community safety, engagement and equalities Councillor Edith Macauley, said: “We have all been shocked and saddened by terrorist attacks in the UK and overseas. Following such events, many of us feel the need to help somehow and we are asked to be extra vigilant and to report suspicious behaviour. We all have a role to play to keep our communities as safe as possible. Knowing what suspicious behaviour looks like and how to report it are very important in efforts to prevent an attack happening in the first place.”

Merton Police Borough Commander Chief Superintendent Steve Wallace said: “This will be a good opportunity for people to hear about how they can practically help us in our counter terrorism work. If you see something that doesn’t seem quite right, we want to hear from you. The film gives a good example of how an attack could be disrupted with enough intelligence available. We are all the ears and eyes for the safeguarding of our communities now.”

-ENDS-