Counter-Terrorism

The Victoria BID Safe and Secure programme works with local businesses to plan, prepare, prevent and protect against all forms of terrorism.

Our overriding priority is to keep the public safe by working with our community, remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious behaviour which may be terrorist-related to police. Raising awareness and strengthening communication portals is the key to success. The Victoria BID sponsors a number of initiatives that are regularly reviewed.

Strategic counter-terrorism training

ACT Strategic and SCaN, the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) initiative, exploring ways to aid you in preventing, handling and recovering from a terrorist attack. It achieves this by taking businesses through a realistic terrorist attack using a multi-media simulation.

A series of questions and challenges are put to delegates, both individually and as a group. Delegates will work in small syndicate groups with other local business representatives and develop responses to the attack. ACT Strategic is ideal for managers in areas such as facilities, security, reception and those responsible for creating and maintaining response plans. However we do welcome all staff as we know that in the event of a major incident, anyone within the organisation could be in a position where they need to exercise those response plans.

Protect Duty

The UK’s resilience to terrorism is to be increased, as the Government announces details for the Protect Duty, now to be known as ‘Martyn’s Law’ in tribute of Martyn Hett, who was killed alongside 21 others in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in 2017.

Working closely with security partners, business and victims’ groups, including Figen Murray and the Martyn’s Law Campaign Team, and Survivors Against Terror, the new duty will require venues to take steps to improve public safety, with measures dependent on the size of the venue and the activity taking place.

The threat picture is complex and ever-evolving. Recent attacks demonstrate that terrorists may choose to target a broad range of locations. Martyn’s Law will ensure that security preparedness is delivered consistently across the UK, ensuring better protection of the public.

Community messaging systems

All staff are encouraged to join free messaging systems that provide up-to-date information on live police incidents, traffic management, crime prevention and policing information.

Twitter social networking is used by local authorities to tweet information:

  • @metpoliceevents
  • @metpoliceuk
  • @btp_uk
  • @tfLtravelalerts
  • @LondonFire
  • @MPSWestminster
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