The National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) for the UK has issued a message giving guidance and advice following the attacks in Paris on 13 November 2015.
Be Reassured
The threat from International Terrorism to the United Kingdom remains at SEVERE – an attack is highly likely; this has been since August 2014.
Be Alert, not Alarmed
Police have exercised plans to respond to multi seated firearms attacks and may increase their presence in some areas. Don’t become fearful or withdraw from the streets. Statements from national police are posted on the Metropolitan Police website
Businesses and priority Crowded Places have been working with police (NaCTSO and the CTSA network) to protect sites and staff from a variety of terrorist attacks. This includes music, sport and entertainment venues, restaurants, hotels and shops.
Be Vigilant and Report Suspicious Behaviour
Police act on information from the public who report suspicious behaviour.
Vigilant behaviour by staff and the public can disrupt attack planning. Businesses can run Vigilance Campaigns, make their CCTV control rooms more effective at spotting and acting on suspicious activity and their staff can attend Project Griffin events.
Plan now what you will do to STAY SAFE
‘Stay Safe’ principles (Run Hide Tell) give some simple actions to consider at an incident and the information that armed officers may need in the event of a weapons or firearms attack. Full guidance is contained on the NaCTSO website
Conduct a health check on your premises. Crowded Place booklets contain clear self-help guidance and check-lists.
- Review your building response plan to consider your response now and if the UK threat rises.
- Test and exercise with partners (around the table) to check your preparation for terrorism and wider business continuity (e.g. flooding/flu).