Residents are being asked to stay alert and help keep each other safe this summer, as Counter Terrorism Policing’s summer campaign returns.
With the UK heading into a packed calendar of festivals and major sporting events, the campaign highlights the importance of staying vigilant and how public reporting can make a real difference.
In April, the national terrorism threat level was increased to severe, meaning an attack is highly likely. Whilst major events bring communities together, they can sadly also be attractive targets, so it’s vital to stay alert. The public has a vital role to play by trusting their instincts and reporting anything that doesn’t feel right.
Chief Inspector Steve Cooke, Head of Protective Security Operations at Merseyside Police, said: “Merseyside is preparing to host some incredible events this summer, including Southport Food and Drink Festival, the 154th Open golf championship at Royal Birkdale and numerous music concerts at LFC Anfield, the city’s waterfront and Sefton Park. You can expect to see safety messaging reminding you to report anything that doesn’t feel right.”
The campaign will also run across social media and at some of the country’s biggest summer events, including BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend and Wimbledon.
Merseyside Police has extensive experience in planning and delivering security operations for major events. From Southport Air Show and Reminisce at Sherdley Park to the Labour Party Conference, the force’s specialist teams are well-versed in coordinating with event organisers and community partners to plan for large gatherings.
The force continues to use Project Servator as a key component of its policing plans throughout the year. These deployments have been used in Merseyside since 2018, providing reassurance to the public and disrupting criminality.
Chief Inspector Cooke added: “Project Servator deployments remain central to our protective security approach. These patrols are deliberately unpredictable and use uniformed and plain-clothes officers who are specially trained to spot the tell-tale signs that someone may be gathering information to help them plan criminal activity.
“Project Servator officers also engage with members of the public and local business staff during deployments, encouraging them to act as extra eyes and ears in their communities.
“The deployments are supported by a range of specialist resources, including firearms officers, dog handlers, and our colleagues at City Watch who provide round-the-clock CCTV monitoring across the force area.
“With many events this summer, please stay alert and report anything unusual. Trust your instincts – share concerns with staff, security, or police. You won’t be wasting our time. In an emergency, call 999.”
Counter Terrorism Policing’s campaign activity includes providing the most up-to-date information that will keep the public safe in the event of a terrorist incident, reminding people that the Run Hide Tell advice can save lives.
Guidance on how you can help keep our communities safe, including what suspicious activity to look out for, and confidential reporting is available at www.gov.uk/act.