Wolverhampton shopkeepers urged to be on high alert for extremism
Terror police urged Wolverhampton shopkeepers to be on the look out for extremism as the threat of an attack was raised to severe.
They told businessmen and women they were the 'eyes and ears' of the community and needed to be on high alert in the run up to Christmas.
The city is among several being targeted in a week-long campaign by police as they warn as many people as possible to be on their guard.
A security briefing was also held with staff at New Cross Hospital in Wednesfield.
Both meetings were held as part of a nationwide drive to highlight the dangers facing this country.
Advice given what to do if a person comes under gun fire and what details emergency services will need in the event of a terrorist attack. Other guidance is not made public.
They were also told the distance a cordon should be set from a suspicious package, car, van or lorry.
Detective Chief Superintendent Sue Southern, head of the West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit that also covers Staffordshire, told shop staff:
"You are the eyes and ears on the ground. You and your staff go to work every day and you will see any changes or differences in the environment in which you are operating.
"These events are really important. The national threat level has been increased to severe and so an attack is highly likely. Terrorists try to target cities and areas where large numbers of people are congregated because they want to make the biggest impact."
She added: "We do not expect these warnings to adversely effect business and footfall during because this is about a broader picture. It does not specifically relate to retail. People should be alert but not alarmed."
The Home Office officially admits that around 500 people from Britain have gone to join rebel groups fighting in Syria and Iraq but some experts suggest it could be around 2,000.
West Midland Counter Terrorism Unit officers also held meetings with shopkeepers in Coventry, Solihull and Stratford yesterday as part of a rolling programme of up to ten meetings a week with various sectors of the community ranging from schools through mosques to airports, banks and gun clubs.
Counter terrorism officers in the area covered by the West Midland Counter Terrorism Unit have seen a five fold increase in their workload this year as compared to the previous 12 months and attribute this to the fall out from the conflict involving Isis forces in Syria and Iraq.
