POLICE are warning the public to be on their guard as non-essential retail, outdoor hospitality and a host of other activities begin to re-open from today (April 12).

Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) is warning that this could provide a greater opportunity for terrorists to operate, and they are appealing for business owners and the public to support the police’s 24/7 efforts to keep the country safe by remaining vigilant and reporting anything that doesn’t seem right to security staff or the police.

With the threat to the UK from terrorism remaining at substantial, meaning an attack is likely, CTP has developed the ‘Easing Lockdown Vigilance Campaign’ to address these concerns.

Detective Inspector Dave Edwards, from North Yorkshire Police’s Prevent Team, said: “Following a year of restrictions impacting all our lives, we recognise people will be keen to get out and about as the lockdown restrictions ease, and the importance of businesses being able to return to more regular trading patterns.

“Let’s enjoy these regained freedoms but please do so in a way that helps keep us safe, not just from Covid-19 but from terrorism as well.

“The terrorist threat will, understandably, not have been high on anyone’s mind in recent months. It is also fair to say that the threat was temporarily suppressed during lockdown because it was difficult to go out in public and do anything.

“The best defence against the terrorist threat is a collective community effort – where police, security staff, businesses and the public come together to minimise the chance of attack.

“That is why Counter Terrorism Policing has launched this campaign, and North Yorkshire Police and our partners are very happy to give our full support.”

Suspicious behaviour can be reported to security staff or the police by calling 101.

If an emergency response is required, always dial 999.