Vigilance call over terror threat

The anti-terror campaign will run for four weeks

Scotland Yard has urged the public to remain vigilant to the threat of terrorism, with a new campaign that highlights the risk of further attacks.

The campaign's message is: "Terrorists won't succeed if someone reports suspicious activity."

Almost six months since the London bombings, it urges people to report suspicious bags, vehicles or behaviour.

The Metropolitan Police said it was not in response to a specific threat but "we cannot afford to be complacent".

The head of Scotland Yard's Anti-Terrorist Branch, DAC Peter Clarke, said: "Everyone who lives in London, or visits the city for work or pleasure, has a role to play in making it as difficult as we can for terrorists to operate here.

If it seems suspicious to you, please make that call DAC Peter Clarke Metropolitan Police

"We can all help by being vigilant and aware of what is happening around us. If it seems suspicious to you, please make that call."

The campaign tells people to call 999 if they notice anything suspicious, or the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789321 if they have information about possible terrorist-related activity.

Landlords targeted

Campaign posters will be displayed on bus shelters, beside roads and at train stations across London for four weeks.

Police are targeting retail staff and bank workers

Advertisements will also appear in newspapers and on radio.

In a statement, Scotland Yard said: "Terrorists need places to live and to store equipment and materials.

"They need people to help them and may need transport in order to carry out their plans."

It said three posters focused on the rental or sale of accommodation, garage and lock-up facilities, and of vehicles.

Another encourages retail and bank staff to be aware of fraudulent transactions that may be linked to terrorist fundraising and a fifth focuses on the need for vigilance within the river and marine environment.

The campaign was developed with British Transport Police, City of London Police, Transport for London and the Mayor's Office.

Conservative homeland security spokesman Patrick Mercer said the campaign was long overdue and similar ones should be launched in other UK cities.

"The events of July 7 and 21 demonstrate quite clearly that terrorist activity is not just restricted to London and I eagerly await similar campaigns in other areas," he said.