Dorset Police has joined the nationwide awareness week to involve the public in preventing terrorism and keeping the country safe.
Every police force in the UK is involved in promoting awareness of terrorism in their area and engaging with their communities to make them mindful of reporting suspicious behaviour.
To effectively combat the threat of terrorism, law enforcement, businesses, government and the general public need to work together.
The terror threat level in the UK increased on 29 August 2014 and as a result reports of suspicious behaviour have nearly doubled. This is a direct result of reporting by members of the public, and every report is investigated.
There are five key areas being focused on throughout the week. How businesses and the public can prevent terrorism, vigilance in crowded places and transport hubs, preventing violent extremism, cutting off terrorist financing and preventing access to tools that terrorists need to operate.
In Dorset a series of mobile roadshows will take place across the county to address the above issues. Police Community Support Officers will be providing a high visibility presence at a variety of transport hubs and crowded places offering support, advice and reassurance to members of the public.
The events have been planned in partnership with the Dorset Race Equality Council and Mr Yasin, Imam for the Bournemouth Islamic Centre. Members of the Muslim communities have been invited to join the event to help promote the concerns and feelings of their community in addition to the awareness campaign for these sensitive issues.
Chief Superintendent Jane Newall said: “This is a National Awareness Week designed to promote awareness in our communities and not to alarm the public. The terror level increase refers to the whole country and not Dorset specifically.
“This week is intended to make the public aware of terrorism and give people the confidence to report anything they feel is suspicious.
“I would like to reassure the communities of Dorset that we live in a safe county. If you know or suspect anything suspicious please call The Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.
“Your information could save lives.”
