Be alert, not alarmed
Following the announcement by the Prime Minister of the UK Terror Threat level being increased from 'Severe' to 'Critical' on Tuesday 23 May, the multi-agency members of the Highlands and Islands Local Resilience Partnership met on Wednesday 24 May. The group discussed the potential consequences for our area and reviewed local planning arrangements.
The chair of the group, Steve Barron, Chief Executive of The Highland Council said: “The terrible events in Manchester on Monday have touched members of the Highlands and Islands communities and our thoughts are with all those affected at this time.” He added: “Local Resilience Partners are working effectively together to ensure the continued safety of our communities across the Highlands and Islands and to enable us to carry on our lives and services free from fear.”
Divisional Commander for the Highlands and Islands, Chief Superintendent Philip MacRae said: “At this time there is no intelligence to suggest there is any specific threat to Scotland but I would ask the public to remain alert and report anything suspicious. “Within the Highlands and Islands we have well-rehearsed plans to respond to any major incident and we continue to work together to address the current heightened threat level.”
A key element of the meeting was the safety of those attending the many events which are happening across the areas over the coming weeks and work is ongoing to review event plans and work with organisers to ensure their safe delivery.
For anyone attending any event, we would continue to advise groups to stick together and arrange a meeting point with friends and family should you become separated for any reason. Event Organisers provide information on their websites, such as travel information and event updates, and when preparing to attend any event it is worth familiarising yourself with this information. Be alert rather than alarmed and report anything suspicious or unusual to police by calling 101 or in emergency 999. Alternatively you can confidentially call Crimestoppers on 0800555111 or the Anti-Terrorism Hotline on 0800789321.
- For more information on how to contact police with concerns, can be found at gov.uk/ACT.
- Support for business and communities can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/counter-terrorism-support-for-businesses-and-communities
- CitizenAid is a downloadable app for the public http://citizenaid.org/
- RUN HIDE TELL – how to stay safe from a firearms or weapons attack : www.npcc.police.uk/NPCCBusinessAreas/WeaponAttacksStaySafe.aspx
- CYBER CRIME - Around 80% of Cyber attacks could be prevented if businesses put simple security controls in place: https://www.cyberessentials.ncsc.gov.uk/
- RECOGNISING THE TERRORIST THREAT - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/recognising-the-terrorist-threat/recognising-the-terrorist-threat
- How we plan for emergencies