The attack on Westminster on Tuesday was tragic and disturbing. Our condolences go out to those affected by this serious incident.
Major incidents cannot always be predicted and the response depends on the nature of the threat. In Canterbury the City Council leads on multi-agency planning, and all responding agencies have individual response plans in place. It is also recommended that all businesses ensure they have Business Continuity plans to help with the recovery from a potential incident.
For more information, please contact the City Council’s Emergency Planning Officer via emergency@canterbury.gov.uk
The local Business Crime Prevention partnership, District Watch operates a membership based radio link scheme across the city centre to reduce crime and keep the city safe.
For more information about counter-terrorism training, you can contact Laraine Grant, Counter Terrorism Security Adviser South East Counter Terrorism Unit on 01303 297340 or laraine.grant@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk. The National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NACTSO) website has a wealth of information for crowded places sites: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/national-counter-terrorism-security-office
We have had this update from ATCM:
“We also think it is appropriate to draw member’s attention to important information which may help shape local measures to deal with similar events.
These include:
- Guidance on ‘Protecting Crowded Places from Terrorism’: This comes from the Home Office and covers different locations such as threats to bars, pubs, clubs, shopping centres, sporting venues and other key areas. gov.uk/government/collections/crowded-places
- A new ‘National Surveillance Camera Strategy for England and Wales’: This was launched only this month and may help support the use of CCTV locally. gov.uk/government/publications/national-surveillance-camera-strategy-for-england-and-wales
- Suspicion Awareness Training, 4th May 2017: In Central London, the ATCM Evening and Night-Time Economy Network will welcome HSS Ltd who will provide a Suspicion Awareness Training Product Information Day. For more information on this contact Sarah Walker via email (sarah.walker@atcm.org). Bookings must be completed by Friday, 31st March 2017. This will be free to ATCM members and holders of the Purple Flag award.
We hope you find this information helpful. The UK terror threat level remains at severe (meaning an attack remains highly likely) which should be taken as an indication that vigilance, communication and preparedness remain critical in our town centres. We will support members where we can on this difficult issue.”
