Police urge vigilance from Londoners to help keep each other safe during festive period

Londoners attending festive events this year are being urged to report anything that doesn’t feel right to help counter terrorism police keep the public safe during the holiday period.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner for the Met Police and Senior National Coordinator for Protect and Prepare, Jon Savell said:  

“London hosts some of the biggest and most popular events in the UK during the festive season. Crowds of people will be gathering across the capital to attend religious services, carol concerts and more than 70 Christmas markets.

“Sadly, as shown by the appalling attack on Sydney’s Jewish community during a Hannukah event, we know they can also be a target for terrorist activity. That’s why Counter Terrorism Policing London are asking the public to be vigilant, calling on everyone to play their part in keeping each other safe this festive season through our annual winter campaign.”

The campaign encourages communities to look after each other and trust their instincts by alerting staff or security at a venue or event, or by contacting the police, if something doesn’t feel right. Every report is taken seriously; one in five of the reports received last year to our Anti-Terrorism Hotline and the online equivalent, gov.uk/ACT, were passed on to officers for further investigation.

Alongside encouraging calls from the public, there will be regular police patrols before, during and after festive events. The Met is working closely with partners, including the Community Security Trust, to provide an increased presence around synagogues and other community venues.

Specially trained counter terrorism officers, working as part of Project Servator, will also be carrying out unpredictable and highly visible patrols at the busiest venues and events in London.

DAC Savell added: “Our aim is to make sure as many people as possible feel safe enjoy winter with family and friends, while also being empowered to report any concern themselves, rather than thinking someone else may report it.

“Trust your instinct and speak up if something feels wrong; it could be as simple as alerting staff or security at a venue or event about a concern, or by contacting the police to make a report.”