A counter terrorism seminar has given an insight into how to reduce the risks of an attack on transport businesses
There has been a growing increase in the use of vehicles as weapons, as seen in the attacks in Nice, Berlin and London.
Last week (1 June) transport law solicitors Backhouse Jones hosted a Counter Terrorism Seminar in London, designed to inform operators of the risks, as well as how to prevent, avoid and prepare for terrorism incidents.
The transport industry employs approximately 1.5 million people. ”You’re the fifth largest industry in the UK,” says Ian Jones, Director of Backhouse Jones.
UK threat level
The UK has five threat levels, from Low to Critical. The current threat level for international terrorism in the UK is Severe – meaning an attack is highly likely. The level has not been lower than severe since 2014.
Superintendent David Roney, Deputy National Coordinator Protect and Prepare (NCPP), said the threat level is likely to remain at Severe for the foreseeable feature.
The threats
A government security advisor from the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI), gave an insight into the threats which you can encounter and advice on how to reduce the risks posed.
He highlighted the transport sector’s importance part of the UK’s Critical Infrastructure.
There are five styles of vehicle borne IED threats:
- Parked
- Encroachment
- Penetrative impact
- Deception
- Duress
CPNI’s website has advice on managing these threats, a subject called hostile vehicle mitigation.
Protecting your sites
You should be investing proportionally in security and where possible have security layers, he said, telling delegates to imagine an onion having its centre protected. If one layer is compromised then a hostile has further layers to contend with.
“Knowing people make mistakes, it’s good to have more than one layer of security just in case something fails,” says the government advisor.
This approach to layers can be in the form of physical security, such as fencing, barriers, detection systems, alarms, CCTV cameras and complementary personal security measures involving recruiting the right people, engendering a security culture into the organisation, or spotting and reporting hostile reconnaissance.
Measures can be installed on vehicles and depots and reviewing both your security hardware and procedures regularly, and not just when an incident occurs, will ensure optimum security.
“Security costs money, but can save in the long run,” says Jonathon Backhouse, Director of Backhouse Jones. “Invest in training, security and insurance.”
It’s important to be aware that an attack could occur, so it is recommended to make the necessary investments in your security early.
Adding telematics and tracking to your fleets may help reduce incidents. With these live tracking devices, you may notice something unusual well before the incident. “Live tracking helps massively, but it needs to be monitored and acted on” says Jonathon.
Assessing the risk
“Could your vehicle or staff be involved? You as an employer and business have a duty of care and responsibility,” says James Backhouse, Director of Backhouse Jones.
Operators may want to consider terrorism insurance for added protection. James recommends that you check your policy as different insurers have different insurance conditions.
There are things operators can do to raise awareness: Analyse the nature of the vehicle use, check vehicle locations and check staff. “These are things you’ll be doing already, but now you need to apply these to the idea of your vehicle being used in an attack,” says Mr Backhouse.
Cyber awareness
“Cyber-crime is just like all crimes. The intention is still to steal, hurt or damage someone or something, cyber-terrorism is the same,” says Supt Roney.
Social media was discussed, and how important it is for you to be aware of what you or you staff are publishing, such as posting images that could be used by a hostile for planning an attack or crime against your premise or vehicles.
“You need to have security oversight and be aware of what your corporate communications team are unwittingly disclosing. “You could be making yourself, your customers or sites vulnerable by what you are publishing.”
Publishing strategically angled pictures to include elements of security – fencing in the background, a security guard and CCTV – in the picture, will highlight that you take security seriously. But be aware that the level of detail should not be so great that it helps hostiles.
“Posting information online can put your personal safety and a business at risk,” says Simon Roberts of The National Counter Terrorism Security Office.
Fail to plan, plan to fail
“You can ensure that you can recover more effectively from an incident if you have a plan in advance,” says The Head of The National Counter Terrorism Security Office.
Ultimately, by thinking ahead and making investments in security and training, you will be able to reduce risks of crimes to you, your business, your employees and your customers.
It was said at the seminar: “The most dangerous thing you can do today is cross the road – but there’s a risk there, and there’s a risk of terrorism.”
With an increase in vehicles being used as a weapon, it has now become evident that basic security systemy are no longer enough and that there is a growing need for added protection, such as extra insurance.
It has also become clear that operators should be prepared for an attack, and while some may see it as being overly-prepared, this seminar highlighted that its best have all the measures in place – just incase – because although an attack may be unlikey, it could still happen.
A vital point made on the day was that security is where health and safety was 25 years ago, showing that security measures need to be improved vastly and if everyone did their part in protecting themselves, it will become more strong and stable.
Find out more: www.cpni.gov.uk
