Increase vigilance call from police (From Times Series)

Increase vigilance call from police

2:18pm Wednesday 3rd August 2005

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POLICE have called for "vigilance and maturity" in the wake of the London bombings after identifying a rise in attacks against minority groups in the county.

Hertfordshire Constabulary has received a number of hoax calls in the aftermath of the London attacks and seen a "slight increase" in reports of race-related incidents.

The message going out to local communities is to be vigilant and sensible but carry on your lives as usual.

Police are warning the public to look after belongings, avoid leaving bags unattended and to report any suspicious activity seen.

They will actively pursue and prosecute anyone found to be making hoax calls.

Community officers have been visiting mosques to monitor racial tension since the recent bombings.

Assistant Chief Constable Simon Parr condemned the apparent trend of rising crime against Muslim communities which has afflicted parts of the county, but has not yet been reported in St Albans.

He said: "The vast majority of people have responded to the terrible events in London sensibly and proportionately.

"The attacks in London were against us all and we must stand united in our resolve to carry on with our lives while being vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity to the police."

The warnings follow an incident in St Albans two weeks ago when what was thought to be a suspicious package was found near the city station.

Roads were cordoned off and homes, offices and shops evacuated, causing disruption throughout the afternoon on Thursday.

The package, which police had originally feared could contain explosives, was later identified by the bomb disposal unit as a harmless sports bag.

Anyone who has information about suspicious activity which they think could be linked to terrorism should call the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789321 or dial 999 in an emergency.

If anyone feels they are being victimised they can contact their local hate crime officer on 0845 3300222.

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