Tackling Terrorism
The July 2005 bombings in London placed terrorism firmly in the minds of the public and media and brought about a fundamental challenge for policing in Britain. The events of 7/7 showed that terrorist activity can come from a variety of sources, both within our own communities and from overseas.
For this reason counter terrorist policing has been a priority for West Mercia Police for several years. We work closely with other police forces throughout the UK as well as various government departments and partner agencies to ensure West Mercia remains a safe place to live, work and visit.
Although there is no specific threat to the communities of Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Worcestershire above and beyond the general threat posed by the current international situation, we continue to work with communities to tackle all forms of violent extremism. Funding, facilitation and radicalisation that may lead to terrorist acts can happen anywhere. A community that thinks "It will never happen here" benefits only the criminal, the terrorist and the violent extremist alike.
The terrorist threat is real and there is no room for complacency. We must all remain alert and aware of our surroundings at all times. Together we can fight terrorism and make our communities safer.