Metropolitan Police Service - Volunteer Cadets

Over 300 people from local Merton businesses, organisations and elsewhere in the community recently attended a Project Griffin counter-terrorism awareness event at New Wimbledon Theatre, hosted by the Metropolitan Police Service.
The Project Griffin Awareness Day was an opportunity for members of the invited audience to learn more about how they could work together with the police to help combat terrorism and crime.

At the event, audience members met their local borough police officers, and heard from specialist Counter-Terrorism officers from New Scotland Yard. They were able to share information relating to security in the borough.

During the day, police security experts gave a series of presentations designed to raise awareness of counter terrorism issues.

Topics covered included the nature of the current terrorist threat; How to recognise tactics that could be used by terrorists who are planning an attack; what to consider in the event of an attack and how to deal with suspicious items.

The aim of the Awareness Day was to build relationships between police and the local community and to give people increased confidence to report suspicious activity and behaviour to the police using the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.

PC Amy Marsh, Merton’s Project Griffin lead officer, said “The threat from terrorism is real and serious and we have seen that terrorists can strike at any time and any place without warning. The Metropolitan Police Service has a key role in countering that threat, but we need the support and confidence of all our communities.”

“Through Project Griffin we aim to encourage and enable members of the community to work in partnership with the police to deter and detect terrorist activity and crime. Those who attended the Project Griffin Awareness Day can play a vital role in maximising security around their own working environment while working closely alongside the police and partner agencies.
“We hope this event has established an official and direct channel through which the police can share and update vital information relating to security and crime prevention with members of our community.”

Here’s what some of those attending said:

“Very sobering talk which made me think how much we rely on the police to protect us and the real dangers they experience on a daily basis.”

“I can't tell you how outstanding this whole day was. It certainly opened my eyes.”

“Thanks to all the Met Police for the work they do on our behalf to protect us.”

“The Cadets were brilliant, willing and offering to assist with all tasks. They were extremely welcoming to the guests, whilst carrying a constant friendly smile.”

Guests were welcomed by Merton Volunteer Police Cadets, who also facilitated the event during question-time and assisted the presentation team throughout the day.

Chief Inspector Mark Lawrence said “I’d like to thank everyone who attended this key event today, our first Project Griffin presentation on Merton Borough, in co-operation with our colleagues at Wandsworth and Kingston. We really appreciate the very positive comments and dialogue throughout the sessions. And once again, Merton’s Volunteer Police Cadets have stepped up to ensure a professional and warm welcome for all those visiting us, representing the best aspects of the Metropolitan Police Service.”