Police intelligence tactics being tested around the Tower of London and the City to detect terrorism and organised crime has begun operating across the rest of London from today.
Armed police are involved, as well as mounted police, vehicle checkpoints, dogs, vehicle number-plate recognition equipment and CCTV.
The Met, which has had trial pilot schemes running for two years, are now deploying high-visibility Pcs and under-cover officers anywhere and at any time.
“People have been contacting us to report suspicious activity,” Supt Nick Aldworth said. “Officers will enlist help from the public, businesses, security staff and community groups to be vigilant and make it harder for terrorists and criminals to succeed.”
Scotland Yard today urged the public not to be worried if a deployment happens in their neighbourhood, but to “report anything unusual or that doesn’t fit with day-to-day life”.
City Police have carried out nearly 1,000 searches since their operations began in 2014, with 547 arrests and 233 vehicles being seized. The Tower itself was targeted by the IRA in 1974 when a bomb was detonated, killing one person and injuring 41 others.
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