Met Chief Warns Londoners: Stay Alert This Festive Season!
With Christmas parties and packed events looming, the head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command is urging Londoners to keep their eyes peeled and report anything suspicious.
Public Help Key to Stopping Terror
Commander Dominic Murphy praised the public for their crucial role in spotting trouble. “Communities make an invaluable contribution to our fight to stop terrorism,” he said. “People in London have literally helped us save lives by reporting their concerns.”
In the year leading up to March 2023, counter-terrorism police received around 13,000 reports across the UK. One in five was vital to ongoing investigations, helping foil potential threats.
No Specific Threat—But Stay Vigilant
Despite no specific threat to London right now, the “substantial” terror alert level means everyone must stay alert during this busy period.
“Please trust your instincts and contact us if something doesn’t feel right,” Commander Murphy cautioned.
How to Report Suspicious Activity
- Report online at gov.uk/act
- Call the confidential hotline: 0800 789 321
- In an emergency, always dial 999
The surge in public reports recently, especially after the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out in October, shows just how vigilant Londoners are. Reports doubled compared to last year.
Public Tips Help Nab Terror Plotter
Earlier this year, 19-year-old Matthew King was jailed after a public tip-off helped police stop his terrorist plot in London. The public is also battling extremism online, giving the Met’s Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit thousands of leads. Since 2015, this team has wiped out more than 322,000 pieces of extremist content.
Throughout Christmas, expect heavy Met patrols in crowded spots, including Project Servator officers specially trained to spot terrorist signs. These officers will chat with Londoners, reassuring the public while hunting down any threats.
Remember: if you see something odd, say something. Your call could save lives.
