The Metropolitan police are publicising a new campaign:
Thousands of people take photos every day. What if one of them seems odd?
Do you think that person is committing a crime? They probably are, most people are terrorists. Do you think ‘what a loony’? Do you sigh at the strange habits of foreigners? Do you think, a lá train spotting, that some people have very odd habits indeed? Do you report potential terrorist activity to the police and risk ruining the life of a person on a false accusation that you would have to repeat in court? What if the person looked like this? Or this? How about this one?
From the press release:
Terrorists use chemicals. Do you know someone buying large or unusual quantities of chemicals for no obvious reason?
When I next meet a terrorist purchasing unusual quantities of chemicals I will ask, ‘Why?’ and they will reply, ‘there is no obvious reason,’ and I shall say, ‘Oh, well I guess I had better report you then,’ and the country will be safer.
Thank heavens for this publicity.