Beware owners of multiple mobiles, terror drive warns

Published on Tuesday 26 February 2008 09:22

A NEW police counter-terrorism campaign urged the public today to report anyone suspicious who owns several mobile phones.

The posters also call on people to pass on information about anyone displaying "odd" behaviour such as photographing CCTV cameras or other security measures.

The five-week campaign aims to raise awareness of the sort of behaviour that may mark out a terrorist.

One poster says: "Terrorists need communications. They often collect and use many anonymous pay-as-you-go phones, as well as swapping sim cards and handsets.

"If you're suspicious of the number of phones someone has, we need to know."

Scotland Yard terror chief Peter Clarke said: "Terrorists will not succeed if suspicious activity is reported to the police."

He added: "We want people to look out for the unusual – some activity or behaviour which strikes them as not quite right and out of place in their day-to-day lives.

Terrorists had a lot of work to do before they attacked, he said, and might commit fraud to get money.

He also urged people to look out for anyone buying large quantities of chemicals.