08 Feb Counter terrorism support during lockdown
As the lockdown continues and many employees remain working from home, it is understandable that the risk of terrorism may not factor as a major concern for businesses across Hammersmith. However, the UK threat level from terrorism does remain at ‘substantial – an attack is likely’.
Throughout the pandemic, Hammersmith BID has continued to work in close partnership with the Metropolitan police through a number of our Safer Town initiatives to ensure that our business community and visitors to the area continue to enjoy an enhanced level of safety and security.
In addition to liaising directly with our businesses via the SafetyNet radio network and monitoring the town centre for crime; the BID funded CCTV operator continues to keep a watchful eye over our corporate buildings, transportation hubs and businesses to spot the signs of suspicious activity or hostile reconnaissance.
CCTV has also been supporting our retail sector as they adjust to the challenges posed by queuing protocols and face covering requirements. They regularly protect our corporate security teams on their daily and nightly patrols and often support our local police team as they act on fast-time incidents and intelligence.
We are pleased to inform you that our security partners from counter terrorism policing have continued to deliver their highly informative online ACT Awareness and SCaN training products to groups of up to 8, via Microsoft Teams. To find out more, please read here.
Lastly, whether you are the head of comms for your business or are the building, facilities, operations, security or risk manager – we would highly recommend that you consider exploring your own security-minded communications strategy. In addition to potentially deterring crime and terrorism, a healthy security-minded comms strategy can reassure visitors and staff about their safety and security. Further guidance here.
To find out more about the Hammersmith Security Group and how your business can play its part in strengthening security vigilance across the town centre, please contact Gordon Brockie at g.brockie@hammersmithbid.co.uk